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Press Release January 20, 2006 Habitat Kingston Dedicates 2 New Homes Corporate Sponsor Assurant Solutions Raises $64,000 for BuildKINGSTON, ONT: More than a year of planning and fund-raising and seven months of construction climaxed today when Habitat for Humanity Kingston and Frontenac dedicated its fourth and fifth homes at 1131-1133 Montreal St. in Kingston. Community and government leaders joining Habitat volunteers and sponsor representatives in ceremonies at the two semi-detached, three-bedroom homes included Peter Milliken, MP and House Speaker and John Gerretson, MPP. Habitat Kingston said the homes were built through the corporate sponsorship of specialty insurance provider Assurant Solutions -- a first for the organisation. Employees at the company's Kingston operations centre and Toronto administrative offices were involved in many aspects of build, including planning, fund-raising and construction. Fund-raising activities coordinated by Assurant Solutions raised a total of $64,000 to finance the build, including a $20,000 corporate gift and contributions from several company clients. Employees also raised thousands of dollars through various community activities, including a "beams of hope" sale, a garage sale, plant sales and bake sales. More than 80 Assurant Solutions employees joined with hundreds of other Habitat volunteers in the actual construction, and the company sponsored five team workdays. Richard Moore, director, Contact Center Operations-Canada, serves as chairman of Habitat Kingston's board of directors and championed the Assurant Solutions effort. "Involving ourselves with a valuable organization like Habitat has made a significant impact on Assurant Canada," said Kathy Burke, vice president, Customer Services. "This project has allowed us to demonstrate to the community that we at Assurant live our corporate values of integrity, change, urgency and excellence every day. "Regardless of rank, everyone pitched in and did what had to be done to complete the build," Burke said. "The teamwork that our people demonstrated was incredible, and their sustained commitment to building these homes was phenomenal." Other companies and community organizations contributing funds, materials, volunteers and other support to the Build 2005 were Home Depot Canada, Corrections Service Canada, Human Resources Services Development Canada (HRSDC), Wolesley Mechanical Group and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), which provided two complete hydronics heating systems. The Doucettee and Lanoue families have been selected to purchase the homes. Both the Doucettees and Lanoues have two children under age 10. The purchases will be financed by non-interest 20-year mortgages provided by Habitat for Humanity Kingston. "It is a humbling experience to be part of the synergy of a Habitat house build," said Sandy Berg, Habitat Kingston's executive director. "To be able to share in the process of providing safe and decent homes to families and know this process will improve their lives is an honour. Four more children will have the opportunity to grow up in a home, play in a backyard and grow up in a stable environment. To be part of this process changes your life forever." About Habitat KingstonHabitat for Humanity Kingston and Frontenac is a nonprofit, volunteer housing organization whose goal is to provide decent, affordable housing for families in need. Habitat Kingston is one of 69 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity Canada and part of Habitat for Humanity International. Funding is raised in many ways, including sales of used and new building materials donated to their ReStore. Habitat Kingston opened a ReStore in 2003. Individuals interested in assisting Habitat Kingston may consult its Web site www.habitatkingston.ca or call 613.548.8763. About Assurant SolutionsAssurant Solutions is a leading provider of creditor insurance, extended service contracts and home warranty programs in North America. The Kingston operations centre at 1287 Gardiners Road in Kingston provides customer service and claims processing for customers in Canada. Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant (NYSE: AIZ), a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected other markets. www.assurant.com www.assurantsolutions.ca Media Contacts:Sandra Berg MSc. Richard Moore |
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