Peterborough post-secondary students who recently braved the elements of a Canadian winter and hunkered down outdoors for 48 hours have helped raise more than $2,700 in support of area affordable housing efforts.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) was the recipient of the proceeds from the 14th annual event that saw volunteers from the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity camp out in the parking lot of the Venture North building in Peterborough from February 7 to 9.
Called “TKE in a Box,” the event involved male students from Peterborough’s Trent University and Fleming College spreading the word about the need for affordable housing and collecting money for Habitat PKR while they spent the two days outside in the city’s downtown core.
“The TKE fundraiser was really fantastic,” Holly O’Connor, Habitat for Humanity PKR’s communications and marketing manager, told kawarthaNOW.
“It was definitely a chilly one for the volunteers, but that didn’t stop them at all. The community engagement was incredible — so many people took the time to stop by, ask questions, and learn more about Habitat’s mission.”
O’Connor popped by towards the end of the event and said, despite the freezing temperatures, the campers were still full of energy.
“It’s so inspiring to see young people stepping up for affordable housing, especially when they’re balancing school, work, and everything else. It really shows how much Trent and Fleming students see Peterborough as their home through the way they want to give back in meaningful ways,” O’Connor added.
The endeavour raised a total of $2,786.75 for Habitat PKR.
“For the past 13 years, TKE in a Box has been a tradition for our fraternity, bringing us together with the community to raise both awareness and funds for local charities in Peterborough,” said TKE chapter president Benjamin Hofmann in a media release issued prior to the event.
“As the housing crisis continues to impact so many in Peterborough, it’s vital to support organizations like Habitat for Humanity PKR that provide affordable housing for families and individuals in need of stability.”
Over the years, TKE in a Box has supported various local organizations, including One City Peterborough and One Roof. This year marks the fourth consecutive year it has partnered with Habitat PKR.
Proceeds from the TKE in a Box fundraiser specifically support Habitat for Humanity PKR’s efforts to provide individuals and families with opportunities for affordable homeownership and housing across the Peterborough and Kawartha Region.
One upcoming initiative includes a multi-unit condo project that could provide up to 41 affordable homeownership opportunities for local families and individuals, including seniors and single parents.
Habitat for Humanity PKR provides local families and individuals with a “hand-up” into affordable homeownership, with no down payment and geared-to-income mortgage payments.
The organization strives to help homeowners “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,” according to its website.
