As a REALTOR® of nearly 40 years, Doug Lasenby knows the value of home ownership and living independently.
That’s why it was so important for him and his wife, Nadine, to help lay the foundation for those in need.
At the Habitat for Humanity Sarnia/Lambton annual general meeting held in late-April, Doug and Nadine were awarded the Build Champion award for donating $35,000 or more in cash, goods or services.
Doug, a member of the Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Board with Corporate Commercial Realty Inc., explained they donated a piece of land just outside of Sarnia, Ont. – worth approximately $40,000 – for a future home build.
“This was our first major donation and it’s a piece of property that’s perfect for them,” he said.
The property is earmarked for people living with developmental disabilities, a topic close to the Lasenbys’ heart.
Doug said a group of adults will live inside the house once it’s completed, hopefully, by the end of this year.
Habitat for Humanity homes are usually built for families who need a hand up, not a hand out, as the organization totes.
“This is a little bit different. It will be four or five adults who want to live on their own, but can’t quite do it fully,” Doug said. “We intend to support (Habitat for Humanity) further once they get the build underway.”
Also recognized at the annual general meeting were SLREB CEO Dave Burke and president Jane Baker. Burke was given the 2016 Build Supporters award while Baker was presented with the Habitat for Humanity Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation award.
Habitat for Humanity Sarnia/Lambton has been in existence since 1994 and has helped build 50 homes for families in need.
Deserving families are chosen through a rigorous selection process. They must then contribute 500 hours of volunteer service to Habitat locally and complete a comprehensive, six-module homeowner education program. Once built, Habitat homes are sold to deserving families or people for a $0-down, 0%-interest, Habitat-held mortgage with geared-to-income monthly payments.
For more information, visit the Habitat for Humanity Sarnia/Lambton website.
