meet Dave and Patty
Dave and Patty Norrie have lived in Parry Sound for the past 28 years and thanks to Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, next month they’ll be moving into the first-ever home of their own. Self-described “homebodies”, Dave and Patty have clear images of their new life. They imagine Patty enjoying her hobbies of knitting and crocheting in the living room; the smell of baking coming from their new kitchen; and sharing holiday meals with friends.
The Norries appreciate all that living in Parry Sound has to offer, and in return, give back to the community. They volunteer at their local church and Dave is a member of the Men of the Sound choir. A hard worker all his life, Dave holds two jobs and has worked at the local Home Building Centre for 23 years. An outgoing guy with energy to spare, he has applied his construction knowledge to completion of his Habitat for Humanity home. A hobby woodworker, Dave pictures the day that he can set up his own wood shop, where he can continue to craft furniture like the end tables and coffee table that will be taking pride of place in their new home.
Dave and Patty believe in the power of positive thinking. After qualifying as a potential Habitat for Humanity partner family, they were bolstered by the help and encouragement of the Parry Sound chapter and affiliate staff, and Dave had a “good feeling” about the outcome. “This is a hand up. Not a handout”, says Dave. “If you work hard, good things will happen.” When asked what he’d like to do first when he crosses the threshold of his new house, his reply was simply, “I’m going to set a chair in the living room, sit down, and say, I’m finally home.” And in the end, isn’t that what all of us wish for?
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
Amalgamated in 2014, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, suitable, and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable housing. With the help of government organizations, charitable foundations, local businesses, individual community members, volunteers and other Habitat partners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our service area, in Canada, and around the world. Our region serves communities across central and northern Ontario, including North Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, Greater Sudbury, and Cochrane. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which was established in 1985. To date, across Canada, Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of families in need of a hand up. Across the globe, Habitat for Humanity has grown to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com.