Habitat for Humanity is gaining momentum and it appears it has passed the midway point in their capital campaign.
    Habitat for Humanity is poised to breaking ground on a duplex development in North Drumheller in about a year. It has the ambitious goal to raise about $200,000 in donations to make the project possible.
    Chris Curtis, Habitat for Humanity Drumheller and District committee chair, is encouraged by the campaign.
    “We are between half and two-thirds of the way there,’ said Curtis.
     Getting to this point they have taken on some unique fundraising endeavours including the Climb the Dinosaur campaign last summer, and earlier this year hosted a “pop-up” dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
    Looking forward, they are planning a Mexican fiesta on Cinco de Mayo.
    The involvement is also from students. Grade 8 Student at St. Anthony’s School Tyler Merkowsky, took it upon himself to organize a book sale at his school and raised $325. Principal JoAnne Akerboom is proud of Tyler’s efforts.
    Curtis said with this progress, they are not far off from beginning to search for families to purchase the homes.
    “We will be starting that process probably within a month or two,” said Curtis. “We go through the process of identifying and prequalifying families, and then the final decision is made in conjunction with our head office in Calgary.”
    He said they have a strong and growing board of volunteers, however, they are looking for those with trade skills when it comes to construction.
    “One thing we have had to come to grips with is, it is more difficult for volunteers to work on the house than we had first thought. Because we want to build a quality house, Habitat for Humanity is making a decision to get volunteers involved, but not for some of the critical components.
    For more information on the project go to the Habitat for Humanity, Drumheller and District Facebook page.

    MH Enterprises employment services has provided a government work experience program designed to engage youth with employable skills.
    The program is expected to help ease the access to funding with a wage subsidy and has minimal paperwork involved to get started.
    “The program does pay mileage driving to and from work and there’s also about $300 per participant for any clothing or work related supplies that they may need,” said Darci Paarup, administrator at the M.H. Employment Enterprises office.
    Participants must be 15 to 30 years old and are not currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI) as well as not attending school full time.
    “If they meet those criteria, it is a three month wage subsidy so the federal government covers minimum wage for about 12 weeks,” said Paarup.
    The program offsets the cost of training for employers, making it beneficial to both parties.
    Participants learn specific skill sets designed for each employer through their work experience as well as a weekly employability class.
    “With that, the employer does have to pay the mandatory employment related costs so CPP and EI,” said Paarup.
    If you or someone you know is interested in the program, book an appointment at the MH Enterprises Employment services, located on the fourth floor of the Telus Building downtown.
    The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s skills link program.