Schonwetter, a Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry professor, and 57 volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences helped construct Ifeyinwa’s four-bedroom townhouse in June 2024.  

More than 50 volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences helped construct the four-bedroom townhouse.

It was part of a five-day Habitat for Humanity Manitoba build that included students, faculty and staff representing dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and rehabilitation sciences. The Rady Faculty also raised $100,000 for Habitat Manitoba.  

The key ceremony took place in the living room of Ifeyinwa’s new home in Transcona. Members of the media, Habitat Manitoba partners and build volunteers filled the room.   

Before presenting Ifeyinwa with the keys, Schonwetter said to her that a home is more than just walls, rooms and doors.  

“It’s a place where memories will be made. You’ll have the opportunity to create dreams here,” he said.  

After the ceremony, Ifeyinwa said she was overwhelmed, excited and grateful to everyone.  

“It’s a day I’m going to remember for a long time,” she said. “It just feels like, ‘Oh, yes. I won the jackpot.’ That’s what I felt. It’s been a long journey.”  

As well as supplying volunteers, the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences also raised $100,000 for Habitat Manitoba.

Ifeyinwa was living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment with her three children – ages 13, 15 and 18. It lacked privacy and study space for her kids, and she was concerned about the building’s security.   

Ifeyinwa, who immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in 2018, dreamed of owning her own home. But she said that as a single mother of three, there was no way she could afford a house without Habitat Manitoba’s help. The organization provides affordable homeownership programs.   

“We build so many more homes because of the generosity of the hearts of Manitobans in so many different ways, and this is also our chance to celebrate that generosity,” Jamie Hall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba, told the group gathered in the living room.  

Hall spoke about the organization’s strong partnership with the Rady Faculty, which has participated in four other builds over the years. 

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, said in a statement that social responsibility and accountability are core values in the Rady Faculty and that housing is a key social determinant of health. 

Volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences included students, faculty and staff representing dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and rehabilitation sciences.

“The contributions of Rady faculty, staff and student volunteers to build this house and provide financial support is a testament to our University of Manitoba’s commitment to community engagement and the impact we can make. We are proud to be partners with Habitat Manitoba and wish all the best for these families in their new homes,” Nickerson said.   

At the ceremony, Ifeyinwa’s new neighbour was also presented with keys by a representative from the Manitoba REALTORS Shelter Foundation.  

Ifeyinwa now plans to join future Habitat Manitoba builds.  

“There are people who volunteered to be part of my home, so I want to do that for the next person and the next person, and over time, we will build a better community,” she said. 

The official move-in date is Friday, but for their four kids – Jordann (15), Quinton (14), Eric (12) and Tierra (7) – the Flora Avenue house already feels like a home.

“Want to come see my room?” Jordann says to his cousin and some friends, beaming with pride. The guys thread their way through the wall-to-wall crowd of well-wishers and dignitaries assembled for the Key Ceremony. At the back of the house is a brightly lit bedroom, just for Jordann. They take in the plush carpet and big windows, nodding and grinning widely. It’s the first time any of the kids has had a room of their own.

Eric, 12, wants to give a tour, too. Before he heads downstairs to show off the warm and cozy lower level, he turns to the room full of guests. “I love this place!” he shouts.

This is the fourth house built through a continued partnership between the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.

The framing of the house started on the Bannatyne campus in early June 2018 with a two-week Blitz Build then moved to its permanent foundation on Flora Avenue. Leeann and Craig put in 500 hours of sweat equity, working hard alongside faculty, staff and students from Rady Faculty.  

“Social responsibility and accountability are core values for our Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ learners, faculty and staff,” said Postl. “We recognize that safe, affordable housing is a “key to health” and leads to better outcomes including improved health and well-being, education success and self-esteem,” said Postl.

“Partnerships like this are integral to our mission to build affordable and energy efficient homes for working families that would otherwise, not qualify for a traditional mortgage,” said Sandy Hopkins, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. “It is wonderful to see the health-care providers invest their time, talent and cash to assist a family to a much better life.”

“I’m so grateful for this,” said Craig, who works with adults suffering from FASD. “It’s been a long time coming.” In addition to raising a family of active kids – school, sports and extracurriculars keep them all very busy – he and Leeann have been working hard toward their dream of owning their own home within the next five to 10 years. “This sped things up for us so much,” he said. “I’m still getting used to thinking of myself as a new homeowner!”

Faculty, staff and students in the Max Rady College of Medicine, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, and the Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences have volunteered at, and supported financially, building Habitat for Humanity homes in 2013, 2014, 2016 and now in 2018.

“We are delighted that as a faculty we were able to partner with Habitat for Humanity again and contribute both volunteer hours and raising more than $120,000 to make this family’s dream a reality.”

Click to view the event video.

The nine-day build project kicked off at 10:00 a.m. on June 20 on the build-site located at 299 Patrick Street.

This isn’t a first for the Rady Faculty. To date the community of health educators, researchers and learners in the health sciences faculty have helped build two homes. In 2013 and 2014 the Bannatyne Campus staff parking lot was transformed into a construction site, each home was built at the inner-city campus and then relocated to its permanent site.

“This year we’re going into the community and we’re building the home at its permanent site nearby. It’s exciting because it gives students an opportunity to really experience the neighborhood. They’re so comfortable here on campus, it’s benign to them,” says Brian Postl, Dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Vice-Provost (Health Sciences).

Staff, students, instructors and faculty members from the College of Dentistry, Max Rady College of Medicine, Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences will lend a hand in building a new home for the family of three.

“Habitat Manitoba is thrilled to be partnering again with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences to build a home for purchase by a Winnipeg family. No one better understands the importance of a stable and healthy home in the well-being of a family than the faculty, staff and students of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. That health care professionals, current and future, and the institution that employs and teaches them can come together in this manner is an outstanding example of leadership in our community,” says Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Sandy Hopkins.

The younger son, age 13, has a muscular degenerative disease that will ultimately result in him requiring a wheelchair. The home will be custom built for accessibility to meet his future needs. A customized lift system will be installed to provide him access to the home and the kitchen will have a unique layout that will allow him the independence to continue his love for cooking.

According to Postl, the faculty was eager to partner on another build after a year-long hiatus. “As a health sciences faculty we are committed to social accountability and responsibility and what better way to demonstrate giving back than supporting adequate housing for a family in need,” he says.

Postl adds, housing is one of the social determinants of health that predicates not only health and well-being but educational success such as completing high school and continuing in post-secondary education. “We had great participation in 2013 and 2014 when we made history by being the first Faculty of Medicine, then the first Faculty of Health Sciences in Canada to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity build.”

U of M volunteers– alongside the Habitat construction staff – will actively build the house from the ground up from June 20 to 30, 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. weekdays.

Yesterday, Faron, his mom Michelle, and two younger sisters, Niomi and Julia, were given the key to their new home. It was an emotional day for Faron and his family, “It makes me feel great, knowing you have a place to go…. It’s heartwarming,” he said.

This new beginning was made possible through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and the Faculty of Health Sciences and through generous contributions made by the Tachane Foundation and Jonathan Wong, a local palliative care physician.

Wong was inspired to participate though a message shared by Brian Postl, vice-provost and dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, which stated the responsibilities of health care professionals goes way beyond clinic and hospital walls. He recorded a 15-track album titled Keys to Home, 100 per cent of the proceeds were directed to the build fund. “This CD is hopefully more than just music, it represents community and love,” said Wong. “Provided the internet still works and CDs are still available,” all proceeds will continue to go towards the fund.

The four-bedroom home was constructed on the U of M’s Bannatyne Campus with the help of faculty, staff and students from the Faculty of Health Sciences and a pair of students from other areas of the university. Soon after the 10-day build wrapped, the house was moved to its permanent location just a few blocks away.

Dr. Martin humbled by the gift.

City councillor Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) attended the key ceremony and brought greetings on behalf of Mayor Brian Bowman and council colleagues; he also welcomed the family to the neighborhood, noting he lives just two streets over.

Michelle’s dad Karl blessed gifts that he, Michelle and his grandkids hand made to present as a gesture of their gratitude. “This is a proud and beautiful day for my daughter. I thank each and every one who participated in this event; this is an honour and a blessing for our family,” he said. “Habitat, you build houses, but in my heart you build dreams.”

He performed a prayer and a traditional smudging ceremony with Michelle. “I’m using sweet grass to bless the front and back door to keep out negativity and bring in happiness,” she explained.

Just before the ceremony concluded, Michelle called on Bruce Martin, director, admissions (undergraduate medical education), and presented him a hand carved wooden stick: “I want to give this to you because you were there with me building it and I know that this was your vision and what you do for families. To show my love and appreciation, this is for you.”

It’s not too late to get involved with the Faculty’s “Build Hope” project. You can show your support and help reach the fundraising goal through a donation to Habitat for Humanity.

HOW IT WORKS: Habitat for Humanity makes home ownership a reality for low-income families. In 2014, staff, students, instructors and faculty members lent a hand to build a new home for a single mom and her two kids living in a rented row house. The structure was built off-site and then moved to its permanent location near the Bannatyne campus.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: Studies show secure housing can have a positive impact on learning; an educated child is more likely to avoid disease, gain employment and have more options in life. The World Health Organization cites housing as among the top social determinants of health.

THE IMPACT: The recipients of the home built in 2013—single mom Leah and her five children—described the experience as life-changing. The house was built with specific requirements to meet the needs of Leah’s disabled daughter, Nina. The five-year-old has physical disabilities and accessibility is a challenge. Door frames were widened and a lift system with ceiling tracks installed that allows Leah to move Nina from her bed to the bathroom. A custom ramp was built so that Nina can easily be transported by wheelchair into the house from either the front or the back. “This is our home. We own it; it’s not rented, so it’s really going to feel like home,” said Leah. “The faculty’s help and support in building this house—they have no idea how they’ve changed our lives. Life is going to get easier.”

THE INSPIRATION: “The Faculty of Health Sciences Habitat for Humanity build is an excellent opportunity to bring together and engage a new and larger community of health educators, learners, researchers and support staff in a project that can transform a family’s life,” says Brian Postl, dean of the College of Medicine and dean & vice-provost of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “We are laying down the foundation for a safe and healthy home environment and putting into action the core principal of social accountability important to all of us in the health care professions.”

FUNDERS: The Tachane Foundation was a major financial contributor to the 2014 build. The foundation, set up by the Sutherland family in 2008, focuses its charitable giving on Canadian Aboriginals and youth development. Jonathan Wong, a palliative care physician with the WRHA and an instructor in the College of Medicine, also donated more than $10,000 through the sales of his Chopin CD Keys to Home.

LEARN MORE

• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Habitat for Humanity Manitoba

Staff, students, instructors and faculty members from the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences lent a hand in building a new home for a family of three between June 10 and 20. Michelle, a 28-year-old single mom and her two kids, both under the age of 12, previously lived in a rented row house.

“We build the home on campus and relocate it to its permanent site nearby,” said Brian Postl, dean of the College of Medicine and dean & vice-provost of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “As we transition towards the new Faculty of Health Sciences, I am thrilled that one of our first joint projects encourages team-building and is centered on health and healthy living.

“The Faculty of Health Sciences Habitat for Humanity build  is an excellent opportunity to bring-together and engage a new and larger community of health educators, learners, researchers and support staff in a project that can transform a family’s life. We are laying down the foundation for a safe and healthy home environment and putting into action the core principal of social accountability important to all of us in the health care professions.”

The Tachane Foundation was a major financial contributor to the build. The foundation, set up by the Sutherland family in 2008, focuses its charitable giving on Canadian Aboriginals and youth development.

At the Habitat build launch (l to r), Dean Brian Postl, new homeowner Michelle, Med 2 student Gail Pollard, Dr. Bruce Martin and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Sandy Hopkins.

On site to launch the build were Ian Sutherland, founder of the Tachane Foundation, along with Health Sciences Dean Brian Postl, The Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Housing, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba CEO Sandy Hopkins, Margaret Haworth-Brockman, chair of HFHM Board of Directors and Michelle, representing the partner family.

Hopkins said, “We are excited to be back on Bannatyne Campus. Last year’s build was a huge success and we look forward to a long-term partnership with the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Health Sciences. We are grateful for the Tachane Foundation support. It is a long standing partner with Habitat Canada’s Aboriginal Housing program and has contributed towards 28 homes built for Aboriginal partner families across Canada.”

Studies show secure housing can have a positive impact on learning; an educated child is more likely to avoid disease, gain employment and will have more options in life. “We will be laying down the foundation for a safe and healthy home environment and putting into action the core principal of social accountability important to all of us in the health care professions,” says Dean Postl, adding this is the first joint project that will see the Colleges within the newly integrated faculty come together.

Another strong supporter, said Postl, was Jonathan Wong, a palliative care physician with the WRHA and an instructor in the College of Medicine.

He donated over $10,000 through the sales of his Chopin CD Keys to Home, the 15-track disc specifically to raise funds for the build.

Click here to listen online.

When an e-mail circulated asking for volunteers to participate in a Habitat for Humanity build on Bannatyne campus, third-year medical student Ashleigh Sprange was quick to sign up.

“It seemed like a good way to give back to the community, and give back in a way that helps a population of people that we commonly see in medicine as needing things like proper housing,” Sprange said. “There are a lot of reasons why they present us with medical problems. As a student, the patients we see are giving to me by letting me learn from them. So this is my way to give back to them and hopefully a new house for a new family gives them a healthy start at life.”

Nearly two weeks into the build a mix of burning hot sun, the odd rain shower, and even hail hadn’t cooled Sprange and the other student and faculty members’ enthusiasm for the project. Every volunteer committed to a full eight-hour day to tasks assigned by the Habitat team ranging from framing to installing windows to roofing. The build attracted 125 volunteers and many donations.

The Habitat for Humanity’s build sponsored by the Faculty of Medicine.

“We were proud to see such a high level of commitment to the build from our students, faculty and staff,” said Brian Postl, dean of Medicine. “As members of the community, it’s important that as a Faculty, we take on projects that are socially accountable to our neighbours.”

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba is the first in Canada to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity build.  The home was built in a parking lot on Bannatyne Campus and moved to its permanent location in August.

“The Faculty of Medicine sponsorship of the Habitat for Humanity Build was recognition of the faculty’s awareness that housing is an important determinant of the health and well-being of families,” said Bruce Martin, associate dean, students, and lead organizer of the Habitat build project.

He added the support shown from across the campus — including Aramark’s sponsorship of refreshments and meals throughout the build and physical plant’s assistance- ensured the project’s success. So did the volunteers on the ground floor.

For Sprange, it was just what she needed to take a break from the pressures of medical school.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up in a family where my dad’s done some building and I’ve been able to help out, but it’s really neat to see people from all different backgrounds and skill levels getting together to help each other and work as a team,” she said, “I just wrote an exam this morning so to get out and bang a hammer is a nice stress relief.”