Making a Difference: Supporting Affordable Housing and Youth Skills Training
Every year, West Fraser funds community-driven initiatives in the areas we operate.
West Fraser partners with community leaders who have key insights into the specific needs of their communities. Together, our teams collaborate on developing innovative solutions uniquely suited to each region. This approach allows us to make a significant difference—one relationship and one community at a time. West Fraser’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Edmonton is a great example of this.
Edmonton is facing a housing crunch with limited affordable options, as well as a shortage of skilled trades professionals. With Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, West Fraser jointly developed a project that addresses both challenges. We donated wood building products to build a duplex for two deserving families; provided funding to support on-site training for youth; and had local employees volunteer at one of our sponsored “Build Days.”
“At West Fraser, one of our goals is supporting the communities we operate in. I cannot think of a better way to do that than to give young people an opportunity to gain skills and experience while at the same time providing families with the opportunity to have an affordable home.”
Tyler Crago, General Manager, Edmonton Plywood
West Fraser’s sales team worked to efficiently deliver our donated wood building products from our Alberta mills, including LVL from West Fraser LVL in Rocky Mountain House, OSB from Grande Prairie and lumber from Sundre, where Star Trucking donated their service.
In total, 50 local youth—engaged in trades programs through the Northern Alberta Institute for Technology and the Women Building Futures Program–accessed on-the-jobsite training over the Build Days. With the onsite instruction, they could gain skills and grow their experience, while leaving a lasting impact in the community.
"With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our thanks to West Fraser for their remarkable generosity, and for empowering local youth with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the trades.”
Dr. Ann-Marie Reddy, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
"It was an honour to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow volunteers during the West Fraser build days at our Habitat build site," said Carolynne Heron, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and Build Day participant. "Through heartfelt interactions with my fellow volunteers, it became abundantly clear that a deep-rooted passion for our community unites us.”
In addition, students, community members, Habitat staff and West Fraser team members rounded out the building crew on the final build day, celebrated on July 7.
“It was a great experience volunteering, working alongside great people from all different backgrounds for one purpose,” said Eugene Burnstick, Cultural Liaison Woodlands. “Building a home for a family makes the experience very rewarding and knowing they will have a home they can call their own.”
Stay tuned for more Habitat for Humanity projects as West Fraser expands its partnership into the U.S. South and other Canadian provinces.
