Hopeful home

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This article was published 14/12/2015 (3963 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The first Canadian house for Homes for Hope was sold in Winnipeg and raised $105,000 for charity.

The house on Amber Trails is a result from a partnership between the non-profit organization HOPE International and Porchlight Developments, an Alberta-based builder.

In Homes for Hope, builders donate all or some of the profit to HOPE International. The organization then makes micro loans to about 500 families in 17 developing countries who want to start a business. According to Porchlight owner Rob Butler, they’ve been getting about 95 per cent of the money back.

Butler said they chose Winnipeg because they found great partners willing to donate their services.

“It is a powerful initiative, and I am very proud of our local industry partners here in Winnipeg who contributed their time, their labour and materials to make this happen,” said Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) “Through their efforts families in need around the world will see brighter days.”

Butler said he’s feeling good with the outcomes of this cause.

“All of a sudden you got mom and dad running the business. And they are the ones who are feeding their kids, they are the ones who are getting medicine for their kids, and they are the ones who are getting their kids into school, as opposed to having a charity doing it for them,” Butler said.

According to Butler, this model is a hands-up, not a handout.

“I can’t wait to do the next one,” said Butler, adding that the company has plans to build another house in Saskatchewan.