"We are thrilled to be involved in a very rewarding partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada," said Elliott. "CIPH Atlantic Region members did an outstanding job of making a house a home in time for Christmas. Our members believe in the ‘hand up, not a hand out' approach of Habitat and we are proud to help provide affordable, decent, and safe homes."

Special thanks were given to the following CIPH members who were recognized for their gift of time, product, and financial support that went into building the second CIPH Habitat Home:

Martin, Hooper, Dan Woods (Guillevin), Bob Richard (Emco), Lloyd Morrison (Wolseley), Tim Elliott (Emco), Ian Oliver (Guillevin), Bill Johnston (J.W.Bird and Company Ltd), Jim Bell, Jeff Maher, and Mark Kenny (Hydro-Mechanical Sales Ltd), Randy Smith and Damien Monk (IPEX), Kevin Ryter (Royal Pipe), Jerry Wright (J. Wright Sales), Brian Hildrethand and Derrick Collins (American Standard), Terry Gaudet and Mike Miller (MAAX).

"The board and the full membership of CIPH can be proud of the role they are all playing in creating positive futures for families across the country in partnership with Habitat for Humanity," said Martin. "It is rewarding to see families like the Lewis' move from dismal circumstances to hope and a strong sense of pride. In a newspaper story yesterday Gary Lewis is quoted as saying he never had a place to feel like decorating for Christmas - now he feels proud to decorate."

The day ended with a special appreciation dinner hosted by CIPH, recognizing the contributions by the Habitat Grey Power Team led by foremen Ralph Kelly and Fred Robichaud. Industry friends such as Al and Carol MacWilliams from Al's Electric were recognized for installing all the electrical, Steve Woods and Dave Baker from Price Plumbing for installing all the plumbing and the hydronic heating system, and Paul LeBlanc from MVP Enterprises for providing and installing the air exchanger. Special framed certificates recognizing their efforts and contributions were presented by chairman Elliott.

Since 1994, members of this national association have contributed more than $2.5 million in cash and products to Habitat for Humanity Canada and helped over 500 Canadian families move into simple, decent homes.

The 2006 CIPH Charity Committee, led by Paul Lachance (president and CEO, Wolseley Canada) and his committee has set a goal to raise $1 million in cash and products and help build 110 homes across Canada. To date members have pledged over $700,000 dollars in support of Habitat for Humanity.

A highlight of the campaign is the CIPH Gala in Support of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which will take place March 22, 2006 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto on the eve of the CMX-CIPHEX 2006 trade show and learning forum. More than 300 industry members and guests are expected to attend the event. Tickets are on sale now at www.ciph.com/events/habitat.php.

Information on how to donate to Habitat for Humanity Canada through CIPH, and the Gala Evening, are available on the Habitat for Humanity section of CIPH's Web site at www.ciph.com/events/habitat. Information on CMX-CIPHEX 2006 is available at www.cmxciphexshow.com.

Publication date: 12/19/2005