HARRINGTON – Just three years ago, Tina Ellsworth “would have laughed” at anyone who told her that she’d soon be living in a new house.
However, that seemingly far-away dream became a reality this weekend when Habitat for Humanity P.E.I. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ellsworth’s family at their new home in Harrington.
While the single mother and her three children won’t officially move in for another week or so, the ceremony largely signaled the end to a period of dedication and hard work as well as the beginning to a new life.
“Ever since this house has come into play, my life has become 10 times greater. I have a good job, great kids and amazing friends,” said Ellsworth, who was brought to tears while surrounded by those same friends and family during Sunday’s ceremony. “It’s pretty amazing and emotional.”
The project didn’t just see a home constructed for Ellsworth and her children, 18-year-old John, 13-year-old Dylan and 12-year-old Chana.
It’s also created a lifetime of memories and connections amongst the family and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers.
As part of the deal, families contribute at least 500 hours of volunteered labour.
Ellsworth estimated she had likely put in double those hours, especially during the past seven weeks, while her children also helped out in any capacity they could.
“For the next 60 years the memories I made in the last seven weeks will just keep growing and growing,” said Ellsworth.
Becky Mullen, executive director of Habitat for Humanity P.E.I., said the family worked hard to make their dream of home-ownership a reality.
Mullen said they put in “well over” the required hours working on their own home, as well as helping construct other homes, working in the Charlottetown restore and selling tickets for special events.
“Tina and her family have been tireless in making this happen for themselves,” said Mullen, who noted that Ellsworth’s mortgage payments will also go towards future builds. “Just by living in this house, she’s paying it forward.”
Gordon Food Service Canada, which is based out of Amherst N.S., was a title sponsor and contributed $70 thousand as well as their own volunteer hours for the build.
Habitat for Humanity P.E.I. was formed in 1996 and completed its first build in 1999.
Ellsworth’s home was the 56th Habitat for Humanity house built in P.E.I.
“We’re a busy little affiliate and we hope to keep going at this capacity but we can only do that with the support of the community,” said Mullen. “I know Tina, even after working so tirelessly for the past year, is already talking about how she’s going to help other people build their houses… I hope she’s inspired all of you to get involved.”
Ellsworth said she’s looking forward to staying within the group and is hoping to volunteer with international builds as well as forming a “hands-on” type of committee to help support other P.E.I. families who are building.
“It’s such a great vibe to put towards something,” said Ellsworth. “This doesn’t end here.”
HARRINGTON – Just three years ago, Tina Ellsworth “would have laughed” at anyone who told her that she’d soon be living in a new house.
However, that seemingly far-away dream became a reality this weekend when Habitat for Humanity P.E.I. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ellsworth’s family at their new home in Harrington.
While the single mother and her three children won’t officially move in for another week or so, the ceremony largely signaled the end to a period of dedication and hard work as well as the beginning to a new life.
“Ever since this house has come into play, my life has become 10 times greater. I have a good job, great kids and amazing friends,” said Ellsworth, who was brought to tears while surrounded by those same friends and family during Sunday’s ceremony. “It’s pretty amazing and emotional.”
The project didn’t just see a home constructed for Ellsworth and her children, 18-year-old John, 13-year-old Dylan and 12-year-old Chana.
It’s also created a lifetime of memories and connections amongst the family and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers.
As part of the deal, families contribute at least 500 hours of volunteered labour.
Ellsworth estimated she had likely put in double those hours, especially during the past seven weeks, while her children also helped out in any capacity they could.
“For the next 60 years the memories I made in the last seven weeks will just keep growing and growing,” said Ellsworth.
Becky Mullen, executive director of Habitat for Humanity P.E.I., said the family worked hard to make their dream of home-ownership a reality.
Mullen said they put in “well over” the required hours working on their own home, as well as helping construct other homes, working in the Charlottetown restore and selling tickets for special events.
“Tina and her family have been tireless in making this happen for themselves,” said Mullen, who noted that Ellsworth’s mortgage payments will also go towards future builds. “Just by living in this house, she’s paying it forward.”
Gordon Food Service Canada, which is based out of Amherst N.S., was a title sponsor and contributed $70 thousand as well as their own volunteer hours for the build.
Habitat for Humanity P.E.I. was formed in 1996 and completed its first build in 1999.
Ellsworth’s home was the 56th Habitat for Humanity house built in P.E.I.
“We’re a busy little affiliate and we hope to keep going at this capacity but we can only do that with the support of the community,” said Mullen. “I know Tina, even after working so tirelessly for the past year, is already talking about how she’s going to help other people build their houses… I hope she’s inspired all of you to get involved.”
Ellsworth said she’s looking forward to staying within the group and is hoping to volunteer with international builds as well as forming a “hands-on” type of committee to help support other P.E.I. families who are building.
“It’s such a great vibe to put towards something,” said Ellsworth. “This doesn’t end here.”