At Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, we know that building affordable homes takes a community. It takes volunteers, donors, businesses and community partners who are willing to show up and be part of the work.

For the second year in a row, D.M. Wills Associates has done exactly that.

In 2025, D.M. Wills joined us as the Presenting Sponsor of our Women Build Retreat, bringing more than 60 women together in Haliburton for a weekend of hands-on building, connection and fundraising. Together, participants raised $15,000 to support affordable housing in our region.

This year, D.M. Wills came back as Presenting Sponsor of Women Build ’26, but this time, they came to the build site.

Two teams of D.M. Wills employees joined us in Norwood for four days of hands-on construction, working alongside Habitat staff and volunteers to help build three affordable homes for local families.

They picked up tools, learned new skills, worked together and got right into the work. That kind of involvement is something we really value in a community partner. D.M. Wills has a long-standing commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work, and that commitment was clear throughout Women Build.

“At DM Wills, we’re proud to support the communities where we live and work, and this partnership gives our employees a chance to be part of something tangible and lasting. In 2025, we were honoured to serve as Presenting Sponsor. This year, we’re proud to return as the Presenting Sponsor because we believe deeply in what Women Build makes possible.

Women Build is about more than building homes. It’s about creating opportunities for women to step into new spaces, learn new skills, build confidence and see what they’re capable of when they come together with a shared purpose. I believe women belong wherever there is an opportunity to build, lead and create change, and this initiative creates exactly that kind of environment.

When families have a safe and stable place to call home, opportunities grow, futures change and communities become stronger for everyone. Affordable housing is one of the foundations of a strong community. Being part of Women Build is one way we can help create that impact, one family, one home and one opportunity at a time,” said Calli McEachen, Vice President, People and Culture, D.M. Wills Associates.

This year’s Women Build brought together more than 60 women and men and raised $15,250 toward the construction of the three Norwood homes. D.M. Wills’ support as Presenting Sponsor also helped remove the financial barrier for community members who wanted to take part in Community Build Day.

For us, that is what a community partnership looks like. It’s not just about supporting an event. It’s about bringing people, skills and resources to the table and being willing to get involved.

We’re incredibly grateful to D.M. Wills for returning for a second year and for continuing to bring their people along with them. From the Women Build Retreat in 2025 to the Norwood build this year, their partnership has continued to grow alongside Women Build.

Thank you, D.M. Wills, for showing up, getting involved and helping us build stronger communities, one home at a time.