Toronto Star

Call it a true labour of love. For the past three years, Toronto architect Dave Arsenault and his team have designed about 70 homes for Habitat for Humanity, and they've pledged to do the same amount again over the next two years. Habitat for Humanity, an international organization founded in the United States, builds and sells houses, interest-free, to working low-income families who couldn't otherwise afford a home. "Yes, being involved in such an incredible organization makes us all pretty happy — and proud — because it's for those who need just a little extra help,'' says Arsenault, 39, married with three children. "I'm lucky to be where I am and this is my way of giving a little bit back to the community.'' Not that he's always putting a price tag on his donated services, but when prodded, the architect says that his free designs are worth in total about $225,000.