Ontario Construction News staff writer
Although 2020 has brought its share of challenges, staff, members and the Board of Directors from the Niagara Home Builders’ Association (NHBA) are doing their part to ensure the families of Niagara wake up with gifts under the tree and a hot meal on the table this holiday season.
The local association has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of North and West Niagara along with Project Share in Niagara Falls by executing two separate holiday drives aiming to raise donations for those in need.
For more than 10 years, the NHBA has partnered with the BBBS “to raise donations for the youth they provide support services to on a daily basis,” the association said in a statement last Tuesday.
Traditionally, donations for BBBS have been raised through the NHBA’s annual Christmas Gala in early December. However, with tightening COVID restrictions, the association was unable to move forward with the event for the 2020 season.
“This year has been particularly hard for a majority of people,” said NHBA president Tony Alfieri. “We still wanted to lend our support to these families and children we have helped over the years, and we felt it was imperative to continue with our holiday drive.”
DIn lieu of new/unwrapped gifts and toys, donations of gift cards can be made at two local member businesses, Patene Building Supplies in St. Catharines and The One Stop Fireplace Shop in Niagara Falls. Gift card donations can be easily inserted into the sealed “touch free” boxes at each location.
The NHBA has also been working closely with Project SHARE of Niagara Falls over the past two years. The association has organized back to school supply drives, and this year is participating in their “Fill the Virtual Bus” campaign.
This year, NHBA member Enbridge Gas will be matching donations up to $1,000 for Project SHARE, which can be made in the way of a monetary contribution, gift card, and food or toy donations.
If members of the public would like to donate to one or both of these drives, please e-mail info@nhba.ca.
Donations of gift cards in support of BBBS can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Patene Building Supplies, 39 Seapark Dr., St., Catharines Monday- Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- The One Stop Fireplace Shop, 4332 Drummond Rd., Niagara Falls Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.– 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.