Released September 25, 2009

Gander Conference Marks 24 Years of Tenant Volunteerism

Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing) tenants from across the province will converge upon Hotel Gander this weekend, September 25-26, for the 24th Annual Tenant Conference, the theme of which is “Putting the Unity in Community”.

“Housing residents know a great deal about housing issues and this is an opportunity for tenants to come together to celebrate the successes of the past year,” said Len Simms, Housing’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “I know how hard these delegates work within their own neighbourhoods and communities – and all the good that comes from these volunteer hours.”

More than 90 tenants, representing 30 tenant associations throughout the province, will attend the conference along with Housing’s board members and staff and representatives of the eight community centres. The focus of this year’s conference is health and wellness. Presenter Gary Summers will engage conference delegates on the importance of achieving work life balance and healthy living.

Conference registration begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, and will be followed by greetings from Mr. Simms and a presentation of plaques recognizing anniversary milestones being celebrated by the tenant associations.

Among this year’s milestones: Rabbittown Tenant Association in St. John’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary; Burin-Black Duck Cove Tenant Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary; and Perrault Place Tenant Association in Goose Bay its 15th. Millennium Dream Team Tenant Association, representing tenants of Salter and Anspatch Streets in St. John’s, and Move to Improve Tenant Association in Shea Heights, St. John’s, are both 10 years old.

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