Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower volunteered their time for a good cause at a Habitat for Humanity project, June 29. The event was part of a community relations (COMREL) project during the ship's port call to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to celebrate Canada 150.

Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people in need, was established to help eradicate homelessness throughout the United States.

Sailors spent the entirety of the day building duplexes for two Canadian families. This included installing walls, digging holes and laying cement.

"Helping people that are less fortunate achieve something great is a wonderful feeling," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Christopher Spears. "There's nothing quite like knowing that I can make a difference."

More than 30 Ike Sailors worked together on the COMREL and many came out with a feeling of gratitude for the unique opportunity.

"I've learned that it is better to give than to receive and that has resonated with me throughout my life," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class David Stone. "I hope that the good I do here can in some way change this person's life for the better."

Qualification for the program is dependent upon the level of the family's need, willingness to become a Habitat for Humanity partner, and ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest loan.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is participating in multiple events in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary.

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For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit http://www.navy.mil/.