Renovations start at ReStore

Spring sees a big jump in home renovation projects, so if you're one who is in need of light fixtures, windows and doors, or even kitchen cabinets and countertops, check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore before you look elsewhere.

Not only do proceeds from store sales help the charity's fundraising efforts, but you'll pay deeply discounted prices – less than half – on still-in-the-package merchandise and a whole range of other useable home products such as furniture, sinks, door knobs and fireplaces.

“We sell complete kitchens sometimes – those sell quickly – and new and used windows and doors. New products donated from big box stores are often just part of discontinued lines or customer returns,” said Habitat for Humanity Edmonton president and CEO Alfred Nikolai. “People are surprised when they see the amount and quality of stock we carry.”

Southside store manager Jeff Harrison said, “Sometimes people are practically doing deals in the parking lot. Great renovation materials come in and out so quickly. Customers are everyone, from homeowners to one-man renovation operations.”

Nikolai said Habitat for Humanity Edmonton works throughout the region, helping those who couldn't afford home ownership earn that opportunity by putting in 500 hours of sweat equity toward building their own home. Habitat holds the mortgage and gives a chosen family a 0 per cent interest repayment schedule, no more than 25 per cent of their gross income. To date, 35 Habitat homes have been built in St. Albert, 30 of those in Akinsdale, and the organization hopes to build more in the city in 2016.

“We've helped 398 families since 1991. People should know that Habitat for Humanity Edmonton builds far more than any other place in Canada. There's never a shortage of volunteers here. They put in more than 12,000 hours of volunteer shifts in 2014, most of that helping to build homes in the region. There's a real spirit of neighbour helping neighbour across Northern Alberta,” Nikolai said. “And there's a huge need. Thousands of families live month to month, spending over half of their income on shelter.”

At the ReStore, 80 per cent of workers are volunteers, keeping Habitat's administrative costs as low as possible. All the money earned at the stores goes toward Habitat for Humanity Edmonton's fundraising administration costs, so that every dollar donated goes directly toward building homes and serving families.

“And since ReStore's inception in 2000, the Edmonton ReStores – there's also one in Grande Prairie – have diverted 12,000 tons of reusable items from the landfill. We're helping families and helping our environment too,” said Nikolai.

Right now, Habitat ReStore is accepting donations of building materials, books, collectibles, antiques and artwork. A complete list of what can and cannot be donated is on the Habitat for Humanity website, www.hfh.org. Items that can be donated include bathtubs, new flooring, appliances less than nine years old, and hand and power tools.

Some items that cannot be accepted include paint, shower doors, mattresses, dishwashers, toilets, baby items and clothing.