Toronto’s real estate industry has spearheaded a relay that’s raising funds for the Yonge Street Mission (YSM). The initiative has already raised more than $200,000 since it launched at the end of April.
As the largest food bank on the downtown east side, YSM saw demand for services increase by 205 per cent in just a few weeks after the outbreak. They are currently operating on a weekly shortfall upwards of $30,000, and need a minimum of $330,000 to cover the next 11 weeks of operation, according to Todd Cowan, co-founder and managing partner of Capital Developments.
“Like many non-profits and agencies right now, they face unimaginable challenges as they experience skyrocketing demand, and shift operations to safeguard the health and safety of their own staff,” says Cowan. “We are so impressed with how they have responded and what they are doing during these very challenging times.”
Capital Developments launched the #YSMRelay to raise money, then passed the baton to Woodbourne Capital Management, who then passed it to Ellis Don. Other donors include Baker Real Estate, St. Thomas Developments and Sobeys.
“This is the time where we, as a city, can make a real difference in our communities and support these essential agencies who need our help more than ever,” says Cowan. “Toronto’s real estate and construction industries are very rooted in our local communities, and we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response from our peers and partners to support this massive need.”
Photos by Andrew Williamson
