Twelve Muskoka Lakes businesses unite to donate Gift-In-Kind to Habitat for Humanity Bala build
Bala, ON – Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN) and local partners are tackling the affordable housing crisis in the Township of Muskoka Lakes one build at a time. The business community in Muskoka Lakes has generously come together to pledge $115,343 of Gift-in-Kind donations, in support of the OGN’s affordable semi-detached homes, for Habitat’s build project at 1016 Elm Street in Bala. These energy-efficient, universally accessible units which will become home to two area families, are set to be completed by Christmas of this year. “Seeing these businesses come together in partnership is the true spirit of Community,” says OGN CEO Kimberley Woodcock, “Twelve local companies have donated critical services and products – everything from grading, excavation, and transportation to framing, electric, heating, fixturing, and window and doors. These gifts are transformative, for the families we serve, and the local community.”
Habitat extends its gratitude for the abundant generosity of Air Source Home Comfort, Brent Quarries, Fixtures Plumbing and Hardware, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, Muskoka Lumber, Muskoka Window and Door, New Start Kitchens, Phoenix Building Components, Rheem, Sahanatien Haulage, Sifft Electric, and Weismiller Timber Mart.
“We have always strived to help out our local community and give back as much as possible,” says Dave Weismiller, of long-time local business, Weismiller Timber Mart. “When the opportunity arose to help out with the Habitat for Humanity build here in Bala, Timber Mart was thrilled to be a part of it. It has been a pleasure to work with the Habitat team, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
Shawn Donaldson of Muskoka Lumber echoes Weismiller, “We’re pleased to help, and encourage other contractors in the area to pitch in.”
When it comes to building communities, every gift of products and services can make a difference. These donations help Habitat for Humanity be more efficient and keep building costs manageable enabling the organization to stretch each donor dollar further.
Woodcock adds, “This truly is the realization of our mission of bringing communities together to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing. And we are so very grateful.”
Applications to become a partner family for the Bala homes are currently being accepted on the Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North Website. Businesses who are interested in contributing monetary or Gift-In-Kind donations should contact donate@habitatgatewaynorth.com.
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North Amalgamated in 2014, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, suitable, and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable housing. With the help of government organizations, charitable foundations, local businesses, individual community members, volunteers, and other Habitat partners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our service area, in Canada, and around the world. Our region serves communities across central and northern Ontario, including North Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, Greater Sudbury, and Cochrane. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which was established in 1985. To date, across Canada, Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of families in need of a hand up. Across the globe, Habitat for Humanity has grown to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
For more information:
Brittany Wright
Communications and Events Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
(705) 644-9109 bwright@habitatgatwaynorth.com