A First in Central Ontario

Brampton - The holiday season is starting with a bang at Shoppers World Brampton… the bang of a hammer, that is. Shoppers World is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Brampton to raffle off four full-sized children's playhouses, with all proceeds to go to Habitat Brampton's current building project: the Elliott House Heritage Build. Elliott House is a designated heritage farmhouse which was donated to Habitat Brampton and is being relocated, renovated and restored to become homes for two local families.

The concept for this playhouse project was born nearly a year ago, as Janet Nicholls and Tara McDonald, Co-Project Managers and Habitat for Humanity Brampton volunteers, heard about a similar project being run in Calgary and decided to bring it to Brampton. With the excitement about the opportunity of giving new life to a home from Brampton's heritage, Janet and Tara initiated a heritage theme for the playhouse project.

Designed by local architects, and sponsored and built by local companies, the Fire and Emergency Services and students and staff of WestCreditSecondarySchool, the playhouses are spacious and reflect the care that went into creating them. Most of the playhouses have shingled roofs, vinyl siding and glazed windows, and some have shutters and even a front porch. "After all the planning, to see the playhouses finally completed and ready to be raffled is so exciting", said Janet. "All of the volunteers put in such effort and creativity – each playhouse is unique and truly stunning."

Habitat for Humanity Brampton is a community-based, faith-based non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The donation of the abandoned Elliott House offered a unique opportunity to honour Brampton's past while building a future for two local families in need. Relocating the farmhouse to its new address last July was a first for any Habitat for Humanity affiliate throughout North America, and was a significant undertaking. As a result of the generous sponsorships and donations received of time, money and building supplies, 100% of the Playhouse Raffle proceeds will go directly to cover the costs incurred in the relocation of Elliott House. Thankfully, the playhouses are modular and can be taken apart and put back together again easily to make relocation a great deal simpler.

Throughout the months of November and December, the Playhouses will be on display in Shoppers World Brampton, located at Hwy. 10 and Steeles. The Victorian house, Town Hall, Fire House, and Community Hall will be arranged and decorated as a holiday village. Tickets will be available at Shoppers World Brampton from November 1st until the draw on December 28th.The Playhouse Raffle will be formally launched this Saturday, November 3rd at 10:00 am, as Bob the Builder TM throws the switch and turns the village lights on.

Shoppers World Brampton, wholly owned by RioCan, is a proud partner in the Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Project and supporter of the Elliott House Heritage Build.