Zander, Nicole and Zoey Wiercinski in their brand new Habitat home.
THUNDER BAY — Nicole Wiercinski and her two children, Zander and Zoey, are excited to move into their new Habitat for Humanity-built home.
“It means stability, security, love, joy, many memories we're going to create in here and just amazing things that will come,” she said on Friday, at the official dedication ceremony.
Nicole described the experience of walking inside as overwhelming, noting she hadn’t seen the home since the summer.
“I was just so thankful and grateful for all the Habitat team and all the volunteers and all the donations and everybody who put forth an effort in this situation,” she said.
Nicole’s daughter Zoey said she was excited that she got to pick her room colour.
She chose a shade of purple named ‘free spirit’ and said, “I like the purple because it's my favourite colour.”
Zander, Zoey’s brother, said he was feeling thankful for the help from the community and was just really happy to be there.
Todd Davis, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay, said the event marked a symbolic handover to the new homeowners.
“The build's been going on since May,” Davis said. “We've had our challenges this year, definitely, but it's a great day to come out and celebrate with the family, celebrate the hard work they put into the home themselves. I know Nicole worked on the house herself personally, and she worked in the restore,” he said.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff was at the dedication ceremony, said the ceremony was special to witness.
“When you see the joy and happiness in the family, to have a place that is not just a house, it's a home. In a great neighbourhood, close to parks, close to their schools.
“This is truly the spirit of Christmas, but it's also the spirit of Thunder Bay,” he said.
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay next plans to build a triplex, which will house three families.
“We've got some challenges and a lot of work to do,” Davis said, “but we're expecting the community to step up like they did here.”