NEWS RELEASE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WELLINGTON DUFFERIN GUELPH
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Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph brought back its signature fundraiser this past Friday – the Ultimate Habitat House Party – and it did not disappoint!
“This year’s theme was ‘Welcome Home’, a nod to bringing back our signature Ultimate Habitat House Party, as well as a way to welcome the new Habitat homeowners that joined us this year at Cityview Village in Guelph,” shared Sharron Riley-Persson, Director, Resource Development & Volunteer Services. “We welcomed hundreds of guests and supporters with the House Party’s well-known glamour and excitement.”
Presenting Sponsor Miller Thomson LLP and Party Sponsor Guelph & District Association of Realtors®, among many other local businesses and organizations, contributed to the success of this event through sponsorship, donations of product, and contributions of their own time and skills.
Riley-Persson added, “We were truly elated by the reactions of our guests, most notably a big ‘thumbs up’ from a long-term donor, and comments about the feeling of excitement in the room as we raised much-needed funds to continue our mission of providing opportunities for affordable homeownership in our community. We are proud to announce that we raised a net of $78,000 thanks to our community!”
Guests enjoyed a lovely evening of dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, with a few surprises! Mayor Cam Guthrie offered up a ‘dinner date’ a ride in his vintage 1979 Pacer for the Live Auction, and well-known business icon John Sleeman contributed a lunch and tour of Sleeman Breweries Ltd. hosted by himself.
Mike McCluskey, Associate at Miller Thomson LLP, commented, “Miller Thomson LLP is proud to support such an amazing organization and thrilled to have been involved in their signature House Party event for eight years now! This has been one of the most memorable events for us and we are so glad the House Party will continue to support our community.”
Because of the success of this event, Habitat WDG’s current build, Cityview Village in Guelph, will complete the final eight units of the 28-unit community in mid-2020. As well, the organization is looking forward to the remediation of the former IMICO site which will see more affordable housing options coming to the area. Habitat is leading formation of a coalition of affordable housing interests regarding this site.
Habitat WDG also recently hosted Guelph’s and Wellington County’s first Affordable Housing Symposium. Over 35 organizations met over two days to explore opportunities to advance affordable housing. Details are available at www.habitatwdg.ca/symposium.
Habitat is planning a second round of discussions on Nov. 21 to bring new models of cooperation forward that will offer solutions to the housing spectrum – from homelessness to affordable rent and ownership. Interested parties can contact [email protected] to register.
“It takes community to build a village,” says Steve Howard, CEO. “With the support of local businesses and community members we can continue to build and advocate for affordable homeownership. Because everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live.”
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