Everyone can do a little, and together, it will mean a lot.
This is the theme behind an upcoming fundraising campaign for the Kamloops chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
"Habitat has built homes with small gifts at a time, brick by brick," local chairman Fred Bosman says.
"Every gift is welcome. Some people give a toonie, another gives $500."
The local group is gearing up to raise $40,000 to purchase a lot in the city for its second house project.
The first, which was just completed earlier this year, saw two families move into a duplex built by Habitat in Brockelhurst. By fundraising and keeping costs down, these are homes the families have purchased through Habitat at less than market value, at a price they can afford. Mortgage payments are paid directly to Habitat for Humanity.
Nov. 2 will mark the official pledge day for the fundraising drive, which will take place at Aberdeen Mall.
However, pledges and challenges can be made before then by phoning 314-6783.
While the campaign is to raise enough money to buy a lot, there is always money needed over and above to help with building a house. Donations of gifts in kind such as windows, doors, and services are also welcome.
To help people understand where their money goes, Habitat is embarking on an ad campaign that will encourage people to see the real value placed on their contributions. For example, $20 buys a brick, $250 gets you a door, $500 can go to a chimney and $1,000 will be enough for a fence.
Pledge day will see local dignitaries man the two phone lines at Habitat's display table at Aberdeen Mall. The numbers to call in Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., are 377-7584 and 377-7589.
For information on Habitat or the fund-raising campaign, check out the non-profit group's Web site at www.habitatkamloops.com.
