With a shared commitment to building homes, fostering partnerships, and strengthening community, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) and Peterborough & The Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) each have an additional $15,000 to apply to their missions following a successful holiday fundraiser.
The two organizations have announced that their second annual charity auction, held on December 5, raised more than $30,000 for their endeavours.
This event brought together local businesses, industry professionals, and community supporters. With funds split evenly, PKHBA and Habitat PKR will each receive $15,412 to advance their missions and support the professional home-building industry in the region.
“PKHBA supports Habitat for Humanity PKR because we all need to work together to build the housing our community needs,” PKHBA executive officer Rebecca Schillemat told kawarthaNOW.
“We need all types of housing, and Habitat is the only organization providing affordable home ownership. When families have the stability of owning a home it helps them grow, and it often helps them move up in the housing continuum into market home ownership.”
Schillemat said her organization also believes in providing decent housing for the community and building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
“PKHBA’s mission aligns with Habitat for Humanity PKR’s mission in providing housing in our community. We can do more together. We value the partnerships and results of our combined efforts.”
In addition to the money raised for the two organizations, the charity auction was also a success for other reasons. Schillemat said local high school students donated “amazing” small construction projects to support the auction.
“The donations showed support for housing in our greater community, and it showcased the talent of students in high school construction programs,” she noted.
There was also another win when auctioneer Jason McIntosh asked for additional donations when guests turned in their auction paddles at the end of the night.
“Everyone who handed back their auction paddles donated $25 to Habitat for Humanity PKR,” Schillemat said. “It was an amazing boost at the end of a great event.”
As for Habitat for Humanity PKR, CEO Susan Zambonin noted the community effort made the event possible.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our community,” Zambonin said in a media release. “This event demonstrates the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together to address housing challenges and create a brighter future for families in our region.”
Habitat for Humanity PKR also gave a shout-out to Reliance Home Comfort, the presenting sponsor, along with other sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, and attendees who donated auction items that contributed to the successful night.
According to Habitat for Humanity PKR, the organization is dedicated to creating a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. By mobilizing volunteers, businesses, and community partners, it aims to construct affordable housing that empowers local families to achieve stability and build brighter futures.
Money raised at the auction will help Habitat PKR construct additional homes for families in need in the region, the release said.
PKHBA has been represented the home-building industry in Peterborough and the Kawarths region since 1956. As a non-profit organization, it advocates for effective government policy, supports member businesses, and stives to foster excellence in homebuilding.
Proceeds from the auction will enable PKHBA to continue its work in improving home-building needs in the area, according to the release.
