Habitat for Humanity Announces CFB Gagetown’s Armed Forces support to build 5th home

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK – May 29, 2001 – Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the collaboration of 4 ESR’s Construction Troop from CFB Gagetown on Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc.’s fifth home at 264 Mount Pleasant Avenue, East.

Eighteen soldiers from the Construction Troop of 4 ESR began work on the 3-bedroom house on Friday, May 24. The troop’s commanding officer, Capt. Pierre McIntyre, said the frame, roof, outside siding, and a huge portion of the interior should be finished in 2 weeks, weather permitting. The men are on site from about 7 am to 7 pm, and lodge at the Barrack Green Armoury. They’ve brought their own cook with them, who prepares breakfast and dinner at the armouries, and provides box lunches for the troop to take with them to the site.

The construction troop’s contribution amounts to more than 1200 man hours, not including all the legwork, planning and research to get the project off the ground.

This is the first such project for the Gagetown troop and the local Habitat affiliate. Capt. McIntyre recalled a CER in Edmonton working on a similar project, did some research and contacted the Habitat affiliates in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John. “Saint John was the only group to respond,” he says. (NB: The Fredericton chapter has since been in touch with Capt. McIntyre).

“The training value this kind of hands-on project provides is phenomenal,” Capt. McIntyre says. “It’s extremely beneficial. We’re building a home from the ground up, honing all the different skills of our tradespeople and seeing first-hand how they come together. And being away from the garrison, the soldiers become much more self-sufficient; they have to plan transportation, work around meals, etc.”

Capt. McIntyre says this Habitat project presents much more value than the training benefits. “There’s a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from giving to the community.” Capt. McIntyre says the community has been very encouraging and supportive, dropping by with good wishes and honking their horns as they drive by.

This latest deployment is a world apart from the troop’s last mission, says Capt. McIntyre. Saint John’s fog and cool weather are a major contrast to the sweltering heat of Eritrea, Ethiopia, where the troop erected and tore down two 250-person camps.

Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc. is very grateful for the troop’s participation.

“They are helping a family, and a community, become stronger and better, they are not just building a house,” says Debbie Rice, president of Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc.

“We thank 4 ESR’s Construction Troop from the bottom of our hearts for the time, spirit and dedication they bring to this build. Their contribution is invaluable.”

For additional information about Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc., contact (506)-632-9312 , or visit their website at www.habitatforhumanity.nb.ca. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Canada, visit: www.habitat.ca. Habitat for Humanity International can be found at its website www.habitat.org