MARKHAM – After two months of finalizing interior and landscape details, on October 7 the Living Group of Companies invited Greater Toronto business and political leaders to tour and celebrate the group’s new head office at 8 Steelcase Road West.
The special event was comprised of a two-hour open house and cocktail reception, with an invite list that included friends both old and new.
Among the special VIP guests in attendance were His Worship Frank Scarpitti, mayor of the City of Markham, MPP Michael Chan (Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Trade), MPP Bas Balkissoon, Regional Councillor Gordon Landon, and Markham Ward 8 Councillor Alex Chiu.
The formal portion of the event was kicked off with an introduction by Woodbine Branch Manager David Wong, and opening remarks by Living Realty’s Chairman and Broker of Record, Mr. Stephen Wong – who took the opportunity to reflect on the Living Group’s 35 years of success working within the GTA.
Next up was Mayor Scarpitti, who presented Stephen with a celebratory plaque of congratulations on behalf of the City of Markham.
“What I admire about Living Realty is not just the fact that they have achieved success,” said Scarpitti, “But today is another example, I think, that speaks to the integrity part – the part that says, ‘We don’t forget where we came from.’”
Representing Queen’s Park, Minister Chan – who recalled that Living Realty helped him find his first Markham home back in the 1990s – shared his own wishes for the company’s continued success. Chan noted that Wong’s brokerage is remarkable not only for their high standard of service, but for their professionalism in cooperating with other real estate companies across the GTA.
Following Chan’s remarks, politicians present were joined by Stephen Wong and Living Group of Companies President William Lau to officially illuminate the “Living” sign hanging above the new reception area, then raise a toast to the new head office’s continued success.
Joined onstage by representatives from Habitat for Humanity GTA, Stephen and William emphasized the importance of “helping homes and owners connect,” especially when it comes to the GTA’s low-income families. They then personally presented the group with a $10,000 corporate gift – the culmination of a multi-week funding drive that saw generous contributions made by Living Realty’s staff, agents, and friends.
Richard Solomon, Habitat for Humanity’s Regional Vice President for York Region, took the stage after accepting the cheque and explained that the Living Group’s donations will be put towards completing a single-family home in York Region’s Georgina community.
“I want to reiterate our sincere gratitude to the Living Group of Companies,” said Solomon. “Without you, we would not be able to continue to be one of the key players in addressing affordable housing within our community.”
Completed in July 2014, the new Living Group of Companies head office is home to the International Home Marketing Group, Living Properties Inc., and Living Realty Inc., Brokerage’s Woodbine and I.C.I. Branches. The new state-of-the-art facility is located at 8 Steelcase Road West.
