Members of a local fraternity in Peterborough will brave the elements for 48 hours to raise awareness and money for area affordable housing efforts.
Volunteers from Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity will camp out for two days to spotlight housing insecurity in the city of Peterborough and generate funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat for Humanity PKR).
The 13th annual “TKE in a Box” fundraiser returns to Peterborough from February 2nd to 4th.
The event has supported various shelter-based organizations in the city over the years, including One City Peterborough, One Roof, and Habitat for Humanity PKR.
“Last year the event brought in $6,190, which was the first time partnering with TKE on this event,” said Jenn MacDonald, communications and donor services manager for Habitat for Humanity PKR.
“We hope TKE’s event starts a conversation with folks passing by about the need for more affordable housing solutions to support lower-income and working families,” MacDonald told kawarthaNOW.
“We hear from too many (people) across our community that they currently have nowhere to turn to, or are one eviction notice or rent increase away from not having a place to call home,” MacDonald added.
“After learning about how Habitat for Humanity PKR helps families gain equity, build strength, and have stability through our affordable homeownership program, we hope the community will support this fundraiser and the local families and individuals we serve.”
The proceeds from TKE in a Box will support Habitat for Humanity PKR’s affordable condo development currently under construction in the city of Peterborough. The project is in phase two and in the final stretch of construction. Located near Parkhill Road East and Armour Road, the Leahy’s Lane development will feature 41 new-build condos.
The TKE event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Friday and run until 4 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North.
“Like anyone else, we want to support our community as much as we can, and we hope this event can make some real change in Peterborough,” said Frank Bouranakos, the fraternity chapter president.
The TKE Peterborough fraternity “helps male-identifying students from Fleming College and Trent University improve to become better men for a better world,” a media release noted.
Habitat for Humanity PKR provides local families with “a hand-up” into affordable homeownership, with no down payment and geared to income mortgage payments.
“With Habitat’s assistance, homeowner families can achieve the stability, strength, and self-reliance they need to build better lives and are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between their families and healthier, more financially stable futures,” the organization noted.
For more information or to donate to the fundraiser, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/tke-in-a-box-2024/.
