On Monday, July 24, 2023, MPP David Piccini and the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, proudly announced that Habitat for Humanity Northumberland was the successful recipient of an $82,400 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund. That funding has been used to purchase a new truck, which will enable Habitat Northumberland to build resilience and sustainability. It will also empower the non-profit organization to respond to the growing demand for donation pick-ups, and support Habitat’s local affordable housing programs.
“Our government knows that non-profit organizations contribute to the success of communities across the province. They deliver programming that helps people live healthier, happier lives,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why we are proud to support Habitat for Humanity Northumberland through our Resilient Communities Fund program. This funding will enable them to adapt and grow – ensuring that this non-profit organization can continue to provide the best service possible to the people of Northumberland and make a positive difference in the community.”
The truck that was purchased is essential to picking up donated product that is sold in the ReStore. Habitat ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donated items, such as new and used furniture, appliances, décor, and home improvement building materials. The proceeds from its operations fund Habitat for Humanity Northumberland and help the non-profit organization build spaces in the community for those in need of a stable and affordable place to call home. The Habitat ReStore currently has over 50 volunteers that support staff in sales, process donations and help divert over 250 tonnes of materials from local landfills.
“The Ontario Government is committed to ensuring that everyone has a place to home, and it is because of services like Habitat for Humanity that make it possible” said MPP David Piccini, “I am thrilled that Habitat for Humanity has received this grant as it ensures they have the right tools to make an even greater impact on our community”.
“This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant means that we can be out in the community picking up more donations,” said Meaghan Macdonald, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. “More donations will have a two-fold benefit. Firstly, it’s about a greater environmental impact, keeping things out of the landfill means fewer decaying materials and greenhouse gases emissions. Secondly, increased revenue from more product means an ability to fund our operations for more affordable housing projects.”
Founded in 1998, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is a non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity Northumberland and its volunteers have assisted 63 partner families in obtaining affordable homeownership and over 100 families maintain affordable housing. For more information on Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, please visit www.habitatnorthumberland.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, is one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, it invested over $110 million into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca for more information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
