Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) has raised $15,000 to help support its goal of building 149 affordable homes across the Kawarthas, thanks to those who attended the non-profit organization’s third annual HomeGrown: A Habitat Garden Disco Fundraiser and the event’s sponsors.
Held at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth on Saturday, June 6, the sold-out evening saw around 100 community members welcomed into an immersive atmosphere featuring disco-themed décor and sparkling lighting at an outdoor setting along the shores of Chemong Lake.
Attendees enjoyed the garden grazing table, passed and stationed canapés, and dishes prepared on the smokehouse Argentinian grill, along with curated beverages and cocktails, while listening to live music and participating in a silent auction.
Guests also heard stories from future Habitat PKR homeowners, including a couple who are awaiting the completion of their single-family home in Norwood so they can move in with their children.
The couple spoke about their experience completing the 500 volunteer hours required as part of Habitat PKR’s affordable homeownership model. Families can meet their volunteer hours at Habitat ReStores or by participating in home-building projects.
Attendees also heard from another future Habitat PKR homeowner, who shared her experience navigating housing instability in Peterborough’s rental market. A single mother, she will soon move into a condominium unit at Leahy’s Lane with her son through Habitat PKR’s buyback program, which helps ensure long-term affordability for local homeowners.
The program kicks in when existing Habitat homeowners decide to move due to life changes. When this happens, Habitat PKR will buy the home, renovate it if needed, and make it available to another local family in need of affordable housing.
During the event, Habitat PKR shared its plans to create 149 affordable homes through projects across the Kawarthas, with land secured, partnerships in place, and development plans established.
The projects include three new single-family homes in Norwood, 40 condominium units at Keystone Court on Lansdowne Street in Peterborough, 35 units in a Haliburton development in partnership with Places for People in Haliburton, supportive shared living housing in Peterborough for six women with developmental disabilities through Our Daughters’ Home, and a 64-unit condominium development in Haliburton that will include new childcare spaces for local families.
The $15,000 that was raised through the June 6 fundraiser will directly support the organization’s local affordable housing builds across the region.
“HomeGrown is a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in support of affordable housing,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin in a media release.
“We are grateful to share updates on our upcoming projects and to celebrate the impact we are already seeing in the lives of local families. With land secured, strong partners in place, and a clear vision ahead, continued community support will help us move these homes forward.”
HomeGrown: A Habitat Garden Disco Fundraiser was supported by RBC as the presenting sponsor, as well as event sponsors Floortrends, Chemong Lodge, Peterborough Axe Club, Kerr’s Home Products, Lakeshore Designs, Braun Custom Builds, Habitat for Humanity Canada, Cambium, Sunbelt Rentals, and Kingdon Timber Mart.
