Photo courtesy of: Habitat for Humanity
Employees at Mariposa Dairy traded their usual duties for hammers and construction tools, helping build key components for three future Habitat for Humanity homes destined for Norwood.
Approximately 25 employees from the local dairy company transformed their parking lot into a temporary construction site last Thursday as part of a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.
Working in two shifts throughout the day, staff assembled wall sections and window framing that will eventually become part of three affordable single-family homes for local families pursuing homeownership through Habitat’s affordable housing program.
The initiative reflects Mariposa Dairy’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work, according to company officials.
“At Mariposa Dairy, our core values of integrity, growth, and resilience extend beyond our workplace and into the communities we’re part of,” said Ellen Edney, engagement leader at Mariposa Dairy. “We believe having a safe and stable home creates opportunity for individuals and families to grow and build a stronger future. That’s why we’re proud to support Habitat for Humanity and their meaningful work.”
Habitat for Humanity says affordable homeownership provides more than housing, creating financial stability and opportunities for families to build equity and strengthen their economic future. The organization notes Habitat homeowners typically see their incomes increase by about 30 per cent compared to what they would have earned had they remained in rental housing.
Susan Zambonin, chief executive officer of Habitat PKR, joined employees during the build and praised the company’s hands-on approach.
“I’m incredibly grateful for businesses like Mariposa Dairy that don’t just talk about supporting their communities — they show up and get the work done,” said Zambonin. “This wasn’t symbolic. These walls and window frames will become part of real homes for real families.”
The event also drew support from community partners, including local radio station KX105, which helped share information about affordable housing initiatives throughout the day.
The completed wall sections and framing components will now be transported to Norwood, where they will be incorporated into three new Habitat homes.
Once construction is complete, the houses will provide three local families with an opportunity to achieve affordable homeownership, helping them build long-term stability and a stronger future in the community.
