The Neepawa Habitat for Humanity chapter broke ground on its first ever project, which will be the home of a mother and her teenage daughter.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in late May, attended by Mayor Brian Hedley, community supporters and the habitat applicant, Ritchel Quezon. The house is planned to be 970 square feet, Neepawa Banner & Press reported, with a basement and two bedrooms, set to be completed by the winter.

Donald Walmsley, a member of the advisory board, told the Sun the experience was great to get to groundbreaking. The chapter progressed very quickly, he said, from launching to breaking ground at the site on its first project within a year.

“That’s a tribute to the community and surrounding area,” Walmsley said. “This is definitely a community effort. There’s no question about it.”

“We’re not finished, but to get to this point to actually put shovels in the ground today, saying, ‘Wow,’ you know, you look back and you think it’s worth every minute,” he said. “It’s a feel-good thing, no question about it.”

The chapter has hosted a golf tournament, bingo nights, and partnered with several businesses in the area to fundraise for the project so far. Volunteers will also do hands-on work at the home, building it this year.

Walmsley said the contribution has been crucial to the project, and it would not be possible otherwise.

“We’ve had tremendous support from community, individual members, businesses, gifts in kind, donations, really, really very pleased with the way it’s been set up.”

In a statement on social media, the Neepawa chapter posted a thanks to the community. It emphasized that the project is focused on people, and the power of teamwork in Neepawa.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support Habitat for Humanity Manitoba – Neepawa Chapter’s first-ever groundbreaking ceremony! Your presence, kind words, and shared excitement made this milestone even more meaningful,” read the statement.

This is more than just breaking ground — it’s the beginning of a brighter future for Ritchel and her daughter, and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together as a community.”

Walmsley said the chapter intends to provide advice to other areas that are interested in launching Habitat chapters as well.

He said the experience has been great, and that he hopes the Neepawa chapter will continue for the long term. Moving forward, the volunteers will look to start another project once things settle down.

“We don’t have plans to be a one-and-done,” said Walmsley. “Our plan is for longevity.”

»cmcdowell@brandonsun.com