Initiative gives back to local restaurants and raises funds

Habitat Niagara’s community fundraising initiative, Home for Dinner, boosted local restaurant sales and raised funds for Habitat’s Home Building program generating $30,000. For every $25 takeout order placed with a participating restaurant during the month of May, Habitat Niagara received a donation from its sponsoring partners. The original goal was $25,000.

“We saw what the effects of the pandemic were having on our restaurant industry and wanted to be a good neighbour and give back,” said Habitat Niagara’s Chief Development Officer, Lorraine Snihur. “Home for Dinner was established to help build stronger communities during a time where local businesses were suffering.”

“We got involved because we like to do as much as we can for and in our community, and with the pandemic upon us, we haven’t had a lot of opportunities to help out with fundraising or community events,” explained Kevin Eichlin, owner of Smokin’ Buddha in Port Colborne. “This was a win-win as it drove traffic to our restaurant as well as raised money and awareness for a great cause.”

With over thirty local restaurants participating, the community ordered 15,425 takeout meals that totaled $25 (or more) which generated more than $385,625 in revenue for those restaurants.

“This fundraiser not only helped the community it certainly opened the door for us in terms of new customers that grew our business,” said Michelle Berryman, owner of Jamrock Irie Jerk in St. Catharines. “I am a firm believer in supporting each other – hence the hashtag we ‘GrowStrongerTogether’. Thank you so very much to all the new and existing customers that participated!”

“The power of community is shining brightly in Niagara!” said Lorraine. “Our sponsoring partners exceeded our initial fundraising goal and when Home for Dinner was coming to an end, Michelle, owner of Jamrock Irie Jerk, insisted on paying it forward and donated some of the revenue her restaurant generated through this initiative to Habitat Niagara. Her kindness sparked further generosity from Meridian who then donated $5 for every takeout order placed at her restaurant during Home for Dinner which became a massive influx of funds that pushed our total amount raised to $30,000!”

“Meridian Port Colborne was eager to sponsor and participate in the Home for Dinner event to support Habitat Niagara. Not only does this initiative promote Niagara Region’s focus on #shopLocal, it helps advance the important work of local organizations that are contributing to the overall resilience and well being of our community,” said Brenda Taylor, Branch Manager.

“In order for Habitat Niagara to be a good neighbour, we have to do our part and help out wherever and whenever we can,” said Lorraine. “Without the support of our community Habitat Niagara would not be able to continue with its mission to build safe and affordable homes in Niagara.”

Special thanks to the community who supported Home for Dinner and ordered takeout from its participating restaurants.

With a lot of help from Habitat’s sponsoring partners, thanks to:  Allstate Insurance, Armstrong Strategy Group, Bold Property Services, Brand Blvd., Chimp Agency, Corporate Facility Supply/Jade Paper, Dave Wiens Construction, Dine Niagara, Jamrock Irie Jerk, Kirkpatrick Stone Works, Lakeview Vineyard Equipment, LandPro Planning Solutions, Meridian, Newport Landscaping, Niagara Oast House Brewers, Niagara Restaurant Solutions, R.O. Beam Construction, RBC, Restaurants of Niagara, Speedpro Niagara, Sundance Restaurant Services, Tech24 Niagara, and The Mortgage Group

About Habitat for Humanity Niagara

Habitat Niagara builds decent, and affordable homes, providing no down-payment, interest-free mortgages to qualifying families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own homes. Habitat is not a giveaway program in that we provide “a hand up not a handout.”  Established locally in 1993, Habitat Niagara is constructing its 69^th home in Niagara at the end of this year, serving 74 families over the past 28 years, creating stable and secure housing for more than 260 children.

Habitat for Humanity Niagara also operates a home improvement retail store – the ReStore – selling donated new and used appliances, furniture, kitchens, building materials and home supplies. Habitat for Humanity ReStores play an integral part in Habitat’s mission, providing financial support for our work. The Niagara ReStores are located at 2499 Hwy 20, Fonthill, 185 South Service Road, Grimsby, and 150 Bunting Road, St. Catharines. For more information, please visit www.habitatniagara.ca