March 14, 2012 Lethbridge Herald
and
March 16, 2012 Lethbridge Journal
CHBA dinner builds support for Bridges of Hope’s work WEDNESDAY, 14 MARCH 2012
SUBMITTED BY CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ASSOCIATION – LETHBRIDGE REGION
By Patty Vadnais
Gerrit Bezooyen has spent the past year as president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Lethbridge Region (CHBA-LR), and service is not something new to this generous home builder.
It was thus only fitting that in celebrating his year as board president, CHBA-LR focused on helping others at a recent dinner event.
Bridges of Hope is a local not-for-profit organization that promotes poverty relief and community empowerment among the world’s poorest nations. Its philosophy is one of interdependence and ongoing co-operation. It focuses on economic development, health, education, and critical intervention. This focus made it a fitting organization to support as tribute to the outgoing board president.
Daniel Zopoula, Bridges of Hope founder and CEO, shared his life experience with members of CHBA-LR at the March 8 event. He told of growing up in Africa, being orphaned at five, sold as a slave, and eventually moving to Canada and setting up an organization that sends aid and relief back to Africa. His incredible journey led to generous giving from individuals and companies attending the dinner.
A build competition took place, with members using blocks of wood, cardboard, plastic and whatever else could be easily found to create miniature homes like the real ones CHBA-LR members build. The materials were purchased by donation, and members of CHBA-LR raised over $4,000 for Bridges of Hope.
Zopoula said of the evening: “Gerrit has been a long-time supporter of Bridges of Hope and to see that volunteerism and service recognized by his peers in the home building industry is exciting and it has been wonderful to be included in the evening.”
Bezooyen, owner of Bezooyen Contracting, said he appreciates the way fellow CHBA-LR members opened their wallets to support a cause he holds dear.
The money raised will help provide a Unit of Hope which builds homes for vulnerable women and children in Africa. More information about the organization and cause can be found on the website at www.bridgesofhope.ca.
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CHBA AWARDS Best and Brightest
February 17, 2012 (Excerpt from the Lethbridge Journal)
Submitted By Patty Vadnais
“Members of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association-Lethbridge Region gathered together recently to recognize those Building the Best. Over 350 people representing builders, suppliers, trades, and service professionals celebrated the accomplishments of 2011. One hundred and twenty nine entries representing 47 companies were competing for top honours. New home design winners can be found in all areas of the city from Copperwood and Sunridge to Legacy and Blackwolf to Six Mile Coulee… … Bezooyen Contracting and Van Arbor Homes Corp. received one award each for their new home designs…”
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