Haliburton, ON (October 15, 2025) – More than 60 women from across Ontario came together earlier this month to raise $15,000 for affordable housing during Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region’s Women Build Retreat, presented by D.M. Wills.
The three-day retreat, held October 3–5 at Camp Timberlane in Haliburton, combined adventure, empowerment, and purpose. Guided by Habitat for Humanity’s professional female construction staff, participants rolled up their sleeves to learn building skills, safely use power tools, and work together to construct a 7×10 bunkie from start to finish.
The completed bunkie was donated to Haliburton’s Places for People, a local affordable housing organization. It will be raffled off to raise additional funds for a new partnership between Places for People and Habitat PKR to create 35 new affordable homes on Peninsula Road in Haliburton – offering both affordable homeownership and rental opportunities.
“D.M. Wills and Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region share a common vision – that communities are stronger when people come together to connect, build, and create lasting impact,” said Michael Lang of D.M. Wills, Women Build Retreat’s Presenting Sponsor. “At Wills, we believe that every contribution, big or small, creates impact and a lasting legacy. Together, we’re forging resilient, connected communities, because our greatest impact happens when we stand together.”
Beyond the build, participants enjoyed yoga, archery, kayaking, pickleball, and paddleboarding on a private lake — all while connecting through workshops and shared experiences. Highlights included a wine pairing session with Leah Spooner Wine, a life coaching workshop called The Worthy Blueprint with Lisa Fell, and a cozy gourmet s’mores bar by Miss Grove & Co.
Habitat PKR’s CEO Susan Zambonin, who joined participants for the retreat, reflected on the event’s impact:
“Moments like our Women Build Retreat remind me how powerful community can be when people come together, learning, giving back, and building toward something lasting,” said Zambonin. “It was incredible to see so many women learning new skills, supporting each other, and helping make affordable housing a reality for more families in our region.”
Habitat PKR is deeply grateful to presenting sponsor D.M. Wills and to supporting sponsors Sun Life Kalyta Financial Solutions, NuVolt Group Canada, Dawson Gray LLP, and kawarthaNOW — whose generosity and community spirit made this empowering retreat possible.
Women who want to stay connected and be first to hear about next year’s Women Build Retreat can sign up for Habitat PKR’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/48v6kth
And the building continues – Habitat PKR is launching Women Build Workshops, a new series where women can learn hands-on construction skills directly from Habitat’s professional female trade staff. Each session focuses on a different set of tools and techniques, empowering women to tackle their own DIY projects with confidence.
Starting October 29, Workshops run Wednesday evenings at 3001 Lakefield Road in Selwyn from until December 10, with sessions including hand tool basics, intro to power tools, and full build projects.
To register or learn more, visit: https://women-build-workshops.raiselysite.com/
About Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting affordable homeownership. Habitat gives a ‘hand-up’ not a ‘hand-out’ to individuals, couples, families and seniors by offering no down payment and geared to income monthly payments. Since 2002, Habitat PKR has supported 98 local families into affordable homeownership. For more information, please visit www.habitatpkr.ca
For more information please contact:
Holly McKinnon
Communications & Marketing Manager
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region
705.874.0201
[email protected]