This October, supporters of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region are invited to come together as a family and enjoy a shared meal while supporting affordable homeownership.
Taking place on Sunday, October 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Peterborough North ReStore (300 Milroy Drive), the organization’s inaugural “Sunday Dinner at the ReStore” fundraiser will include a harvest dinner with wine and cocktails, entertainment, and a silent auction featuring a large selection of donated items.
At a ticket cost of $125 per person, all funds raised through the event will support Habitat’s Phase Two 12-unit affordable condo development at 21 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Tickets are available now at sunday-dinner-at-the-restore.square.site.
“We wanted to bring our community supporters together to give back to local families needing a hand-up,” explains Jenn MacDonald, the charity’s communications and donor services manager. “What better time to do that than in the fall around harvest, when we’re all thinking about what we’re thankful for and coming together as a family?”
Acoustic sounds from Caleb McKinnon of KEEBS Music will set the backdrop to the evening as guests make bids at the silent auction or even browse retail items at the ReStore. A festive roast beef harvest dinner will be served, with an alternative vegetarian lasagna option also available.
“Working with so many families, one thing we always think about is the importance of having that time to sit down together as a family and enjoy dinner together,” says MacDonald, adding that this type of fundraiser has been very successful for neighbouring affiliates who have run the event in the past. “It’s a really special thing that takes place that some people, unfortunately, don’t have the opportunity to have with their families.”
Serving Peterborough, Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, and the Haliburton Highlands, the regional affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada builds and rehabilitates homes to provide affordable homeownership.
Since 2002, the not-for-profit organization has helped 82 low-income working families become homeowners through low-interest, geared-to-income mortgage plans.
All profits from the Sunday Dinner at the ReStore fundraiser will go towards the 12-unit condo building currently under construction at 21 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Located next to the completed Phase One development at 33 Leahy’s Lane, Phase Two comprises 11 two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit, fully complete with in-suite appliances including a fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and stove. The energy-efficient condo units will help owners save on utility costs.
“When we raise funds to help cover the cost of construction, that allows us as an organization to support lower-income families who are applying for the homes,” says MacDonald.
According to MacDonald, only two families have been selected so far for the Phase Two development at 21 Leahy’s Lane, meaning there are still 10 units available. Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is currently accepting applications from qualified families for the remaining units.
Completed last April, the Phase One 41-unit condo development at 33 Leahy’s Lane has provided affordable homeownership for a mix of individuals, couples, seniors, and families. The multi-unit building marked a dramatic departure from the regional affiliate’s previous focus on single-family homes.
“This was the first time our affiliate has taken on this type of build,” says MacDonald. “It’s proven very successful and we’re one of the leading Habitat affiliates across the country to move forward with this type of innovation.”
The Phase Two development is made possible through support from the Government of Canada. Through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the federal government has invested $600,000 into the build.
To ensure that more proceeds from Sunday Dinner at the ReStore can support affordable homeownership, Habitat for Humanity is seeking additional sponsors for the October 22nd fundraiser.
“Sponsorships help make the event a success and raise more funds, while allowing us to give back to the local businesses who support us and champion us throughout the work that we do,” explains MacDonald. “We really want to showcase them as leaders in supporting affordable housing in the community.”
MacDonald adds that with a 100-seat capacity at the Sunday Dinner, the silent auction also provides a great opportunity for local businesses to market themselves to a wide range of demographics.
“We’ll have a diverse group of people in the room, from our donors to community leaders to the general public and supporters,” she says. “We will be including a variety of items in the silent auction to suit all needs and desires.”
She says Habitat is also seeking volunteers to assist with the Sunday Dinner fundraiser, adding that these events would not be possible without support from the community.
MacDonald points out people can also support the Leahy’s Lane project by shopping at the three ReStore locations in the region, located at Peterborough North (300 Milroy Drive), Peterborough South (550 Braidwood), and in Lindsay (55 Angeline Street North), where you can purchase new and used building materials, appliances, home décor items, and more. The ReStores fund Habitat’s operational costs and programs, helping direct 100 per cent of cash donations made to the organization to local build projects..
People can also support Habitat by donating items — including windows, cabinets, and doors — to the ReStores, or by making a cash donation to the organization to support construction costs.
To purchase tickets for Sunday Dinner at the ReStore, visit sunday-dinner-at-the-restore.square.site. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region and to donate, visit habitatpeterborough.ca.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
