‘Foundations for the Future’ partnership launched with Habitat Guelph Wellington
GUELPH – The OnePoint Association of Realtors has launched “Foundations for the Future,” a new annual regional investment supporting youth, skilled trades and housing across the organization’s region.
The program kicked off March 27 in Guelph with a $20,000 contribution to Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington, one of several community partnerships that will help bring the program to life across Ontario.
Foundations for the Future is created and supported by local realtor members through the OnePoint Association, and delivered in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Foundations for the Future connects education, employment and housing through hands-on skilled trades learning experiences and scholarships, officials stated in a news release.
The Guelph launch marked the first of 12 learning experiences planned this year, with more than 200 students expected to participate.
John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute students spent the day at the Guelph ReStore, working in small groups on practical projects to help prepare the space ahead of Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington’s 25th anniversary open house on March 28.
Students can participate in ReStore Days, Build Days, or in-class building workshops, including practical projects such as building picnic tables to be sold in ReStores to help fund future builds.
In Guelph and Wellington County, Foundations for the Future will also award $6,000 in scholarships in June to students from 12 local high schools pursuing the skilled trades.
A remaining $120,000 will be distributed throughout the other regions in OnePoint’s area, including Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Muskoka, Haliburton, Parry Sound, and Simcoe.
“Partnerships like this create value well beyond a single day,” stated incoming Habitat Guelph Wellington CEO Sarah Spry in the news release.
“They give students a chance to build practical skills and see firsthand that skilled trades work can make a real difference,” Spry added.
“Foundations for the Future reflects the kind of local collaboration our communities need right now,” said OnePoint Association president Jennifer Morley.
“If we want a stronger housing future, we need to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals who will build it and create more pathways for young people to succeed.”
