On July 18, 2013, a record 27 teams of builders, developers, renovators and service professionals took to the streets of Toronto as they faced off against each other in the fourth annual Race for Humanity!
Presented by In2ition Realty and Toronto Star, this annual event calls on participants to use both physical and mental strength as they compete in this scavenger hunt fundraiser featuring Amazing Race-style challenges. All proceeds are used to support Habitat for Humanity Toronto – a non-profit charitable organization that works toward building affordable homes for low-income families.
The charity is also a community partner of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) – the voice of the land development, home building and professional renovation industry, that has supported Habitat for the past 10 years, helping build homes for 10 partner families.
Suiting up in their race bibs, representatives from 1,400 BILD member companies, lined up for the Race at the Toronto Star building at 1 Young Street for this ultimate team-building afternoon.
The fearless teams readied themselves to dash to the challenges that were scattered across the city, including the brand new Amsterdam Brewery, Steam Whistle Brewery, Corus Building, the Toronto Star Kitchen and a boat belonging to SigNature Communities.
Participants were ready to endure anything and everything that was going to be thrown at them; some coming prepared with swimsuits after learning their lessons from last year’s water challenges at the Toronto Island. Despite all the preparation, many were caught off-guard when tasked with performing their best rendition of the popular hit Gangnam Style at Shoeless Joe’s – much to the delight of their peers!
Blood, sweat and tears (of laughter) continued throughout the day as teams hurdled over the unique and diverse challenges. They got in touch with their “inner-builder” by showcasing their construction skills using Rice Krispies; a task requiring much self-discipline as they resisted consuming their developments. They also put their industry knowledge to the test with games of Building Industry Guess Who and Memory, having to match project logos with builder logos. Athletic abilities were tested during a five-legged race and a game of tug of war, where the defeated team got “glitter-ized.”
Teams received first-hand experience of a Habitat construction site at Habitat Toronto’s headquarters when competing in a speed hammering contest. These teams must have had some real home improvement experience as they hammered nail after nail – and everyone left with all fingers and hands intact!
Teams documented their team spirit throughout the day on social media. Check out #BILDR4H2013 on Instagram to get a first-hand view of the participants in action!
The Race finished at BILD headquarters on Upjohn Road, just in time for BILD’s 21st annual Charity Barbeque, where the winning team was crowned as this year’s champions.
The lucky first place team won a night in the exclusive RBC box for 10 friends to see a Toronto Blue Jays game, not to mention bragging rights as the 2013 Race for Humanity victors. Thank you to RBC for donating the box at the Rogers Centre!
BILD began its support of Habitat for Humanity in 2003 and has since raised more than $535,000 toward helping low-income families realize their dreams of homeownership. This year marks the 10th home that BILD will sponsor with Habitat
BILD members gather together several times each year to celebrate the Association’s partnership with Habitat and raise funds through special events including the barbeque, Stephen’s Ride for Humanity and the wildly popular Party for Humanity.
