Over the years, the foundation has constructed numerous projects that benefit the less fortunate — projects like the Inn from the Cold in Ogden, a 12-unit transitional housing structure for homeless families, the Safe Haven project in Bridgeland, a home for runaway teen girls and the Children’s Cottage. “We build the building and provide much of the seed capital for these projects,” says McFarlane. “Essentially we call upon members of the homebuilding association to provide materials, labour, cash donations and time.” In 2003, the foundation completed the Bob Ward Residence, which offers 61 units to house individuals with brain injuries and mental disabilities.

Building upon the success of this project and filling a huge need within the context of Calgary’s social fabric, the Foundation is planning the Inglewood Residence, a 113-unit residential complex adjacent to the bird sanctuary in Inglewood. “This will be similar to the Bob Ward project, but on a much larger scale,” says Val Veldhuyzen, spokesperson for the Calgary Home Builders Foundation.

The foundation expects to break ground on the project in late May, with occupancy slated for 2008. “This is a joint venture with the Calgary Homeless Foundation, Horizon Housing Society and us,” says Veldhuyzen. “Our expertise is building the building. When it is completed we will turn over the management to Horizon Housing whose expertise lies in running these kinds of facilities.

This $20-million project will accommodate working poor, low-income seniors, those with mental disabilities and the brain injured. The Inglewood Residence — whose name may change in the future — will be comprised of a three-storey condo apartment building and an additional ten row houses. “The building is designed to look as much like the existing streetscape as possible,” says McFarlane. The main-floor apartments will have street access and little gardens. There are also plans for extensive pathways and lots of greenery on the grounds.

Each joint venture partner does its own fundraising. The Calgary Home Builders Foundation recently held its “Warm Hearts, Warm Homes” gala event at the Westin Hotel on February 10th. “It went extremely well. We raised $150,000,” says Veldhuyzen, noting the foundation has no overhead. “Every nickel raised goes directly to the project.”

The next major fundraising event will be a golf tournament at the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club on August 23rd, 2007. It is open to the public, and anyone interested in sponsoring should contact Val Veldhuyzen at 235-1911.

Flames Junior Reporter
For three years now, Homes by Avi has been holding the Junior Flames Reporter Contest, which is proving to be a fun event for children across the city.  The winner gets to be a Flames reporter for the day and interview the Calgary Flames player of his or her choice.  Not only that, but on game day the winner attends the morning practice, gets a tour of the facility, and with a little help from the FAN 960 “voice of the Flames,” Peter Maher, conducts an interview with a player, which is then broadcast on FAN 960 that evening. At the game, the winner and his or her guest enjoys dinner with the press in the press box. The winner also walks away with a coveted signed Flames jersey.

“It’s a really fun event for everyone involved,” says Anita Bustos, marketing and public relations director for Homes by Avi. “The Flames are really keen on it.”
Four winners are chosen every season.  Recently nine-year-old Tiah Girling interviewed Craig Conroy at the February 17th game against Colorado. “She chose Conroy because he had just been traded back from L.A.,” says Bustos. “She asked some really great questions.”

Tiah entered at the McKenzie Towne show home. Other winners this year include Brennan Frey (above) and Samuel McKibben, and this season’s final winner, Damien Heyens, who attended the March 10th game against Tampa Bay. 

The contest is open to seven- to 15-year-olds and contestants can enter at any Homes By Avi show home.