GEORGINA – March 31 marked a happy milestone for the Living Group of Companies, as Chairman Stephen Wong and President William Lau joined Habitat for Humanity GTA to help celebrate putting the “SOLD” sign on a very special home – one that Living Group helped build via raising funds as a corporate sponsor, and also by rolling up our sleeves and doing some construction work at the site last September.
The fundraising campaign, which was launched to help celebrate the Group’s new head office location at 8 Steelcase Road West in Markham, culminated in a corporate contribution of $10,000. On October 7, 2014, the gift was presented personally to representatives from Habitat for Humanity by Living Group of Companies chairman Stephen Wong.
Tuesday’s event, which was held on the site of the newly-completed home in Jackson’s Point, was attended by a mixture of corporate sponsors, site volunteers, and hard-working Habitat for Humanity staff members, as well as a handful of prominent community members, including Mayor Margaret Quirk.
The guests of honour, however, were the Smith family – who, after a rigorous selection process and many hours spent personally volunteering on the site, were finally awarded with the keys to their new home.
“You often don’t hear good news stories when you turn on the television, but today is a feel-good day,” said Walter C. Lehman, representing Habitat for Humanity’ Board of Directors. “This is an example of how, by working together, you can have a significant positive impact on the lives of people, and also in the community.
“Of course we thank the sponsors,” Lehman added, “Because without you, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
To honour and recognize the organization’s contributions as a Project Sponsor – alongside the Toronto Real Estate Board, who contributed as a Title Sponsor – the Living Group of Companies was presented with a commemorative plaque as part of the ceremony.
“This plaque will be a truly unique addition to our new head office, and a reminder of the positive contributions that can be accomplished when real estate businesses participate actively in the surrounding community,” said Stephen Wong following the ceremony.
“It was a privilege to view the finished residence on what has become a truly eye-catching property, right here in York Region where the Living Group of Companies first began to build our brand.”
Living Realty’s founding goal – to help homes and owners connect – is one that the brokerage shares with Habitat for Humanity GTA, an internationally active charity operating since 1976. With the help of volunteers and donated materials, Habitat for Humanity GTA builds affordable housing across Greater Toronto and donates all mortgage payments back into their charitable program.
To find out more about Habitat for Humanity GTA, or get involved as a volunteer, we encourage you to visit their official web site at http://www.habitatgta.ca/.
