Habitat for Humanity recognizes Essex resident for years of dedication BY MARIAH VIZI for Ed Retirement Clifford marked the end of one job and the start of another. As a founding member of Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, 85-year-old Clifford was recently recognized for 10 years of dedication to the organization that makes home ownership a reality for low-income families. At a ceremony held June 23, a new home on Janette Street in Windsor was dedicated in Clifford's name. As a memento, he received a framed photo of himself with ReStore Manager Ed Hawkes. "We wanted to recognize Ed for being a founding member of Habitat for Humanity," said Derek Smith, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Windsor - Essex. "He consistently supports our efforts with his time, energy and resources." The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Windsor is a building supply store that receives donations of new and used building materials. These materials are then sold to Ed Clifford speaks at the Janette Street home in Windsor built by Habitat for Humanity Windsor Essex and dedicated in his name on June 23. raise funds used for the building of new homes. Clifford has been working at ReStore since 1996 and is a member of the board of directors. "I remember a freezing cold day in a trailer park in Florida during February of 1996, when Eileen turned to me and said she had enough of this," he said, remembering his start at the organization. "She told me she was going home to Essex and starting a food bank. I said that was fine, I had enough of retirement and was going to work at the ReStore." Clifford says he was used to an active life before retirement. He had attended Assumption High School, then the University of Windsor and the Ontario College of Education for School Secondary Teachers. He taught high school for 40 years before retiring in 1985. He and his wife, Eileen, had 10 daughters to add to their busy schedule. "There are two things you can do after you retire," Clifford said. "You can sit and wait to die or you can get involved with doing things for other people." He said that is what they both did. While he went to work helping through the Habitat for Humanity, his wife founded the Essex Area Food Bank. "Since the first time I heard about Habitat for Humanity, I thought it was the most perfect Christian charity on earth," Clifford said. Clifford said Habitat for Humanity has built three homes for deserving families so far this year and another is planned for September. Michelle Scott and her children, Destiny and Dallas, will be living in the home dedicated in Clifford's name.