Habitat Women Build volunteers are gearing up for a unique fundraiser, "Curves Circuit Challenge" to be held at participating Curves locations in Moore, Richmond and Scotland Counties this month.

Similar to a walk-a-thon, women will collect pledges for the number of circuits they complete for the entire month. Participating locations include Aberdeen, Carthage, Laurin-burg, Pinehurst, Rockingham and Vass.

This "competition" will benefit women who take part in the challenge, the women who experience building this home, the family who will be living in the home they build, Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills -- as well as everyone in these communities when Habitat reaches its goal of eliminating substandard housing in Moore and Richmond counties.

The participant who raises the most money will receive a tool kit designed specifically for women. The Curves that brings in the most per capita (amount donated divided by the number of members participating) will receive recognition and a certificate of appreciation.

Kay Whitlock, owner of Curves of Vass, will be the contact for this month-long event.

"Women make up a huge portion of our volunteer force, but because they feel they don't have the skills, very few come to work at the construction site," said Sue McKenzie, project leader for the 2009 Women Build.

Women can make a difference by building homes and communities, a spokeswoman said. Thousands of houses have been built by women crews around the world -- by the end of 2008 more than 1,400 homes have been constructed since Women Build's official creation in 1998.

Each year, hundreds more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources. Local residents are invited to join in this effort in 2009. Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills is raising the necessary funds now and plans to start construction in September 2009.

The Women Build program encourages women to make a difference by building homes and communities. Women Builds provide an environment in which women can feel comfortable learning construction skills they might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn.

Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills nurtures, recruits and trains women to build and maintain decent, healthy and affordable homes, a spokeswoman said.

Anyone who needs more information or would like to get involved with the Habitat Women Build can contact Judie Wiggins at 295-1934. Habitat is currently seeking volunteers and supporters of all kinds.