Photo courtesy of: Brian Reid
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region has raised $15,000 to support affordable housing projects across the region following its third annual HomeGrown: A Habitat Garden Disco fundraiser.
The sold-out event, presented by RBC, was held June 6 at Chemong Lodge and attracted about 100 guests for an evening of food, entertainment and fundraising in support of local housing initiatives.
Organizers say proceeds from the event will go directly toward Habitat PKR’s affordable housing developments in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.
Guests gathered along the lakeside venue, which was transformed into a garden-themed disco featuring live music, a silent auction, specialty food stations and interactive activities.
The evening also highlighted the stories of families working toward homeownership through Habitat’s programs.
Matthew and Abby, a future Habitat family in Norwood, shared their experience as they complete the 500 volunteer hours required through the program. The family is expected to move into one of three new Habitat homes currently planned for the community.
Attendees also heard from Gwen, a single mother preparing to move into a condominium unit at Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough through Habitat PKR’s buyback program, which is designed to maintain long-term housing affordability.
During the fundraiser, Habitat officials provided updates on a development pipeline that includes plans for 149 affordable homes across the region.
The projects include three single-family homes in Norwood, 40 condominium units at Keystone Court in Peterborough, a 35-unit partnership development with Places for People in Haliburton, supportive housing through Our Daughters’ Home, and a 64-unit condominium project in Haliburton that will also create new childcare spaces.
Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin said the fundraiser provided an opportunity to celebrate progress while outlining future plans.
“HomeGrown is a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in support of affordable housing,” Zambonin said in a statement. “With land secured, strong partners in place, and a clear vision ahead, continued community support will help us move these homes forward.”
RBC served as the event’s presenting sponsor.
“Addressing adequate housing in Peterborough and Kawartha Region is important to us all,” said Leyna Rottboll, vice-president of commercial banking with RBC. “We enjoyed a wonderful evening with business and community leaders celebrating the important work of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.”
Habitat PKR also thanked a number of local sponsors and community partners who contributed to the event’s success.
