Habitat for Humanity London recently received a financial boost with a $7,000 donation from the Ontario Real Estate Association REALTORS Care® Foundation. Peter Whatmore, Foundation Chair and a member of the London & St. Thomas Association of REALTORS made the presentation.
The funds will be directed towards the local chapter of Habitat’s first “Women Build” multi-house construction project, slated to launch in August 2007.
The Foundation allows REALTORS® to reinvest in their communities through financial support to many shelter-based non-profit or charitable causes. Since 1999 the Foundation has donated $581,120 to shelter-related causes.
Of the $90,000 donated by the Foundation in 2006, $48,500 went to Habitat for Humanity chapters across the province. “REALTORS® believe that every Canadian has a right to safe, affordable housing,” says Whatmore. “And Habitat for Humanity is an important part of making homeownership happen for low-income families. It’s an outstanding organization, one that the Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation is proud to support.”
“I am thrilled that the Foundation has stepped up to the plate to support our first Women Build Project,” says Julie Coley of Habitat for Humanity London. The Women Build was established by Habitat for Humanity International in order to bring together women from all walks of life and encourage their involvement in the construction of Habitat homes. “What a great way for women to get involved in a project that actively addresses the serious problem of families and children living in poverty!”
Costa Poulopoulos, President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®, was also on hand to present Habitat with a second cheque – the local real estate Association’s annual Christmas donation of $1,000 to local chapter. “We’ve been on board with Habitat for Humanity London since its inception,” says Poulopoulos. “This cheque brings the total we have donated to Habitat over the years to $29,500.
