Members of the Habitat for Humanity Manitoba Carman-Dufferin Chapter have launched a major fundraising campaign to support the community’s next Habitat home, planned for 146 1st St. S.E. Organizers say construction could begin in fall 2026, pending funding.
Chapter volunteers gathered recently for a photo beside their fundraising thermometer to mark the official start of the campaign. The group—Brent McDonald, Bill Baker, Ed Wieler, Lorraine Girouard, Ernie Bart and Laurie Redpath—reported that just over $50,000 has been raised to date. Missing from the photo were Cliff McKercher, Val Wiebe, Charmee Penner, Dale Warkentin, Lucille Bart and Karen Tjaden.
A door-to-door canvassing effort wrapped up Nov. 30, bringing in $16,500 in individual donations, both in person and online. The chapter hopes to reach $20,000 in individual contributions by the end of December, with all funds directed locally to the Carman-Dufferin Habitat chapter. Organizers expressed gratitude to the Town of Carman for granting permission to canvass and for assisting with inquiries from residents.
The chapter already holds title to the property where the next home will be built—146 First Street S.E., next door to its previous Habitat home and close to Carman Collegiate. Volunteer organizer Ernie Bart said the site is ideally suited for a modest, durable home that will serve a local family for generations.
“The home is considered part of an interconnected communal system—both the neighbourhood infrastructure and the surrounding natural environment,” Bart explained. “It’s about building stability and belonging right in the heart of Carman.”
Plans call for a simple rectangular design with a covered front deck, similar to the first Habitat home constructed in the community. The main floor will include a living room, dining room, kitchen and two bedrooms, with the option to add additional bedrooms and a bathroom in the basement if required. Typical Habitat homes range from 850 to 1,000 square feet, with the final layout tailored to the size and needs of the partner family.
With the calendar turning to 2026, the chapter will shift its focus to raising an additional $200,000 in cash and Gifts in Kind to initiate the build. Members say several pledges and anticipated sponsorships from local businesses and granting bodies give them confidence they will reach their target.
The chapter is also working closely with local schools to involve young people in community building. Plans include a High School Build Day with Carman Collegiate, Dufferin Christian School and Elm Creek School, as well as the Meaning of Home writing program for elementary students.
“It’s very encouraging to see our youth engage enthusiastically with local community-building efforts,” organizers said.
The Family Selection process, which determines the future homeowner, is expected to begin in the new year. While separate from fundraising, it always generates strong community interest and must be completed before construction begins.
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s mission is to help build “prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Campaign volunteers say the early response reflects that spirit.
“Generosity of community members is very encouraging,” one canvasser said. “Folks greeting us at the door were so friendly. We even had youngsters offer their piggy-bank savings.”
Another noted that daylight-saving time made canvassing tricky: “The window for evening visits was very limited.”
Chapter member Cliff McKercher said the campaign has been heartening. “Habitat is a small title for a big cause. The response from our community has been encouraging. Folks were happy to hear how we plan to achieve our goals and how we will help a family achieve their dream of owning a home. Carman residents shared their kindness with donations and well wishes for the family and the success of the project. Please donate!”
