| Dear Friend of Habitat, In the spirit of May flowers and Mother’s Day, we’re happy to bring you an issue of “Inside Habitat” dedicated to the important contribution of all the women that support our mission and make a difference in the lives of others throughout the year. Women from all walks of life are making an effort to donate, participate and advocate for Habitat for Humanity. The inspiring Women Build program is only one example of the spirit and dedication of these volunteers … and the efforts don’t stop there! Read below for stories on the next generation of Habitat supporters including Girl Guides of Canada and one special seven-year-old girl who set an example for her class in making a difference for families in need of a home. On behalf of the families that benefit from your continued support, we thank all our volunteers and partners and hope that you’ll continue to build hope for new beginnings this spring. All the best, Habitat for Humanity Canada | 
Women are becoming more involved in the construction of Habitat homes through the Women Build Program. As one Habitat homeowner explains, “the spirit on a Women Build site is unbelievable… It was an incredible, life-changing experience.” Not only do women learn a new set of skills in a male-dominated field, they are empowered as they become independent and work together to make a big difference in a family’s life.
Seven-year-old Kaylie Dolan used her class project to make a difference for a Habitat partner family. Using our online fundraising tool, she raised money for a family’s home and sent an important message to children and adults alike about helping others at a very important time.
The ‘door to donor village’ is a beautiful mural, painted by Heather Sinnott to recognize the businesses, individuals, and families who come together to build a Habitat community. The painting depicts the three Habitat homes in the area and the buildings of donors, like The Home Depot and RBC, which helped place local families in safe, affordable housing. 
In an educational partnership with The Home Depot and Girl Guides Canada, 30 energetic Pathfinders and Rangers participated in a hands-on Habitat experience with power tools, building tables in the carpentry shop at Conestoga College. The girls learned about the Habitat mission to build affordable housing and their own ability to participate. Each ultimately earned their very own hammer, signifying their achievement as women in a skilled trade.
