TORONTO – Across Canada, the holiday season is a time of giving – not just to family and friends, but also back to the community.
At this time of year, our thoughts here at GTA Real Estate News often return to our friends at Habitat for Humanity Canada, whose mission is to connect Canadian families with affordable, high-quality homes.
The story of cooperation between Habitat for Humanity and Living Realty goes back to the fall of 2014, when the Living Group of Companies decided to celebrate the opening of its new headquarters by raising funds for a Habitat home in nearby Georgina, Ontario.
In addition to raising more than $10,000, the team was invited to send representatives to help on-site for a day, and attend the “key ceremony” after the home was completed.
This holiday season, those hoping to make their own contribution to the charitable builder have a couple of different options.
Double your financial donation at www.habitat.ca
All year long, Habitat for Humanity makes it quick and easy to donate online or by phone. According to the organization’s official web site, donation dollars are “invested in homes where partner families’ mortgage payments go to provide for future homes, allowing more families to break the cycle of poverty.”
This Christmas, your contribution will go twice as far, thanks to mortgage provider MCAP – who have agreed to match every donation made before December 31 (to a maximum of $200,000). There’s never been a better time to give the gift of home ownership!
Donate or shop at your local ReStore
What many may not know is that Habitat for Humanity also runs ReStore, a homegrown Canadian retail chain that celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. ReStore accepts donations of gently-used building materials, and resells them to the public, with all proceeds going towards the construction of local Habitat homes.
With Christmas around the corner, Habitat for Humanity is reminding shoppers that all ReStore locations are open to provide gift ideas for the DIY fanatic in your family. (They also sell gift cards, available in any denomination.)
Offer to volunteer
If you’re short on cash or materials, Habitat for Humanity Canada continues to take on volunteers throughout the winter months – and it’s one of the most rewarding ways you can get involved, whether you are helping out at a ReStore location or on a local home construction site. Click here for more information on the organization’s volunteer opportunities.
