Having a home of their own has had made a big difference in the lives of a Peterborough father and his teenaged daughter.
Derrick, whose last name has been withheld, is a homeowner who resides in the second phase of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region’s (Habitat PKR) Leahy’s Lane development.
“It means everything to us to have a place of our own,” Derrick shared in a recent speech during a fundraiser for Habitat PKR. “My daughter now has the security to accomplish all of her life goals. She now knows she always has a home to come back to as she grows and pursues higher education and new life experiences. Thank you for continuing to support families like ours.”
Derrick was one of 140 guests at Habitat PKR’s “HomeGrown: A Habitat Vineyard Party Fundraiser,” which took place on Saturday, June 7 at Rolling Grape Vineyards in Bailieboro.
The second annual event raised $24,000 for Habitat PKR’s efforts to help more families and individuals in the Peterborough and Kawartha region achieve affordable homeownership.
“It was truly heartwarming to see so many members of our community come together to celebrate and support affordable housing,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin in a media release.
“The generosity shown at HomeGrown will have a real and lasting impact on local families, and we’re especially excited to channel these funds directly into our Fraserville 3D-printed build and the Our Daughters’ Home project.”
Attendees also heard from Jane Bischoff, whose daughter will move into a accessible duplex in Peterborough’s East City area being built by Habitat PKR in partnership with Our Daughters’ Home, a grassroots group founded by Bishchoff and six other parents who have adult daughters with development disabilities.
“Thoughtfully designed” for the seven women and a live-in caregiver, the home will offer long-term stability, dignity, and peace of mind for both the women and their parents.
“I’ve been Jenny’s caregiver for over 30 years, but I know I can’t do this forever,” Bischoff said. “She deserves a safe, loving home — one that lasts beyond me.”
“We’re not just building a house. We’re building peace of mind for families like mine, and a future where our daughters are safe and supported.”
The event was hosted by Neil Morton of Cormor Inc., a key partner in Habitat PKR’s 3D-printed affordable home build in Fraserville, with presenting sponsors RBC and Floortrends.
The evening “transported guests to the Amalfi Coast,” with vineyard views, a gourmet Italian meal, curated wine pairings, and live music from an accordion-and-guitar duo called Good to Go.
The event’s silent auction was a big success, featuring unique contributions from local businesses, the release noted. Items included a 12-foot King Crimson Maple tree from Rockwood Forest Nurseries, a whimsical fairy house by Karen C., a Millbrook artist, an original etching by internationally known local artist George Raab, a custom refinished dresser from Terrafirm Construction, a room refresh package from Room by Tim + Chris, and a custom European-styled vanity by Canadiana Cabinets.
“HomeGrown is a meaningful reminder of the impact that community support can have,” the release stated. “Habitat PKR extends sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. Your generosity is helping to build real, lasting change for local families in the Peterborough and Kawartha Region.”
Habitat PKR is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting affordable homeownership. Habitat offers a “hand-up” not a “hand-out” to lower-income families by offering no down payment and geared-to-income monthly payments.
Since 2002, Habitat PKR has supported 96 local families into affordable homeownership, according to the release.
