THUNDER BAY – Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay are celebrating a new corporate partnership that will result in the construction of two new homes for local families in need. The Bombardier Transportation employees in Thunder Bay are volunteering and providing funding to Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bays 24th and 25th house builds to mark the company’s 20th anniversary in Thunder Bay.
The site of the first house build is on Home Avenue, located directly behind the Bombardier in Thunder Bay plant. Habitat for Humanity representatives were joined at the site today by Mr. Raymond Bachant, President of Bombardier Transportation, North America. Mr. Bachant is participating to Thunder Bay’s local anniversary celebrations.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, Bombardier invests in initiatives and organizations that contribute to
the prosperity, well-being and sustainability of the communities in which we are present. Bombardier is
proud of initiatives taken by its dedicated employees committed to building strong communities and volunteering time, energy and skills to make these projects happen,” said Mr. Bachant.
To help fund the two house builds, Bombardier has secured support from the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation and four local suppliers. Ms. Lyne Lavoie, general director of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation participated in today’s event by presenting a $50,000 cheque towards the project.
“This project is noteworthy not only because it can increase the autonomy of vulnerable people by giving them access to property but also because it is a successful and unique example of collaboration among several actors: Habitat for Humanity, the families, Bombardier Transportation and its employees, and the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation,” commented Lyne Lavoie, general director of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation.
Also onsite were representatives from Bombardier’s four local build partners; Dingwell’s Machinery and
Supply, Coastal Steel, Intercity Industrial, and the Tom Jones Corporation.
During the event, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay announced that a single mother and her one-year-old
son, Aiden, will be moving into the first Bombardier home in the fall of 2012. The son was born prematurely and as a result, has serious health issues including bronchitis and asthma. The family currently lives in an apartment building that offers poor living conditions and is not smoke free.
Habitat for Humanity, Board President, Andrew Campbell said, “Aiden needs a good home that is smoke and mould free so that he can grow up to be a healthy and productive young man. Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is so grateful for Bombardier’s partnership to help local families find new hope for the future”.
To date, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay has provided hope and homes for more than 50 children in
the community. Campbell continued “It is so exciting to literally be building a home in the company’s back
yard on Home Avenue. We would also like to extend our congratulations to the local plant and its
employees on their 20th and 100th Anniversaries in Thunder Bay. These milestones are a remarkable
achievement. We are also very thankful to the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation for this more than
welcome generosity”.
The second Bombardier home will be built during the 2013 construction season.