Leaders from Canada’s auto industry recently rolled up their sleeves and worked together to help build new homes for needy Canadians as part of the first-ever Canadian Automotive Industry Build in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada.
“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to be here today together to support our local community and people who are in need here in Canada,” said Maria Soklis, President of Cox Automotive Canada in her remarks to a lively group of volunteers at the Mississauga build site.
“What you are doing here today reflects Habitat and our values,” said Mark Rodgers, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity, applauding the different companies in the auto industry, some of whom are competitors, who joined forces for a greater good. “This is a great example of when we put aside competition, and put aside the things that might separate us in our worklife, so that we can all come together to be a force for greater good in a community.”
Rodgers says the houses they were building are not just given away to a family, they have to work hard at it and save money and invest in the project too. “The family has worked hard, and has had a long journey towards home ownership,” said Rodgers. “Habitat doesn’t just put roofs over their heads, it puts the ground under their feet.”
In an interview at the event, Rodgers says he hopes the momentum from the first Canadian Automotive Industry build continues in future years and spreads to other parts of Canada. “I have been with Habitat for almost 18 years. Every time I go to a ceremony when people get the keys to their new homes, it wrecks me, it’s a very emotional event. I know the journey these families have been on and how hard they work to make the moment happen,” said Rodgers.
Apart from a large turnout from Cox Automotive Canada, including their senior leadership team, representatives from other sponsors such as Hyundai Canada, the Used Car Dealers Association, and Canadian Black Book were on hand to help out. Other sponsors include the Bank of Montreakm Desjardins, Scotiabank and TD Canada Trust.
“For us it’s part of our core values, supporting our local communities,” said Maria Soklis, in an interview. “We felt that this was important to show Canada that the automotive industry here is supportive of our local communities.”
Soklis said her team was pumped up and energized to take part and to give back. “I find that it builds a deeper sense of loyalty to the organization, to each other and to our local communities that are in need,” said Soklis.
Don Romano, President & CEO of Hyundai Canada said his team gladly accepted the invitation from Cox Automotive to join the first automotive industry build. “We are great partners with Cox,” said Romano in an interview. “We said ‘absolutely, count us in.’”
Romano said their dealers are already accustomed to giving back to the communities they serve. ”Dealers are better at it than we are,” said Romano. “We don’t get together to do things as an industry for the community as a whole. I think this is special.”
Romano said last year members of the Hyundai Canada team were inspired when they got to meet one of the families they helped get into a new home. “It transformed my organization. That sealed the deal for us going forward,” said Romano. “To me, this is the Canadian way.”
On another date on the Mississauga build site, a team from Canadian Black Book head office, took a day out of the office to do their part to help work on the homes.
“The Canadian Black Book team is a family. That is a major reason why we collectively feel strongly about the importance of giving back and helping families that need it,” said Brad Rome, President at Canadian Black Book.
Throughout the day the tasks for the Canadian Black Book team included general construction, moving materials, safety watches, site cleaning and more.
“It was hard work, that was a tough day, and I sure learned a lot. But the satisfaction of knowing the end game really provides the encouragement. I think we all enjoyed ourselves and feel good about the contribution,” said Richard Phillips, VP Business Development & Marketing at Canadian Black Book.
On average, Habitat for Humanity generates $175,000 of benefits to society for every home built. Also:
- In 2018, 238 families began building strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
- Since 1985, 3,619 Canadian families have partnered with Habitat Canada to get access to a decent and affordable home.
- In 2018, Habitat’s affordable homeownership program generated almost $42 million in societal benefits to the community.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity, visit: https://habitat.ca/
