Mary and Nelson with their grandchildren outside their new home. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Mary and Nelson with their grandchildren outside their new home. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Sarnia

Habitat presents keys to new Sarnia homeowners (GALLERY)

Five senior couples in Sarnia are moving into their new homes thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

The local non-profit held their Key Ceremonies Thursday night to mark the completion of their affordable seniors' housing project.

Each couple gave emotional speeches to show their gratitude for all those who took part in the initiative.

Mary and Nelson, the final couple to speak, said their new home is truly a blessing.

Nelson said because of Habitat, they were finally able to move out of their fifth-floor apartment unit.

"It means not having to take elevators, and getting the dog out for a walk more often because we only have one floor to contend with," he said.

More than 500 volunteers spent the last eight months contributing to the building of these homes.

Nelson said he can't thank them all enough.

"They're angels. They're just wonderful and I can't express how much gratitude we have for them. The people at the Restore were just over-obliging I would say. They did anything you asked of them," he said.

The five-unit development on Guthrie Drive East in Sarnia is the first purpose-built seniors housing undertaken by a Habitat affiliate in Canada.

New homeowners Norma and Gerry. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)New homeowners Norma and Gerry. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

New homeowners Carole and Sandy. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)New homeowners Carole and Sandy. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

New homeowners Pat and Jack. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)New homeowners Pat and Jack. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

New homeowners Pam and Gord. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)New homeowners Pam and Gord. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Mary and Nelson ope the door of their new home for the first time. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Mary and Nelson ope the door of their new home for the first time. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Habitat Sarnia-Lambton CEO Sarah Reaume during the Keys Ceremonies at Guthrie Drive. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Habitat Sarnia-Lambton CEO Sarah Reaume during the Keys Ceremonies at Guthrie Drive. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton's five-unit housing project on Guthrie Drive. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton's five-unit housing project on Guthrie Drive. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Outside the front door of one of the five affordable housing units built by Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Outside the front door of one of the five affordable housing units built by Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Outside the front door of one of the five affordable housing units built by Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Outside the front door of one of the five affordable housing units built by Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton. December 6, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

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