Habitat Toronto partners with The Daniels Corporation to provide affordable housing in a high valued location

TORONTO, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Daniels Corporation, one of Canada's leading builder/developers, has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Toronto to make the dream of homeownership a reality for a low-income family, with the contribution of two condominium units in the city's newest landmark residence, Cinema Tower. In time for spring, the key exchange and dedication ceremony will mark a new beginning for the first partner family, the Zhang-Min family, and will be held at the Cinema Tower residence on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

Daniels has been a long-time supporter of and partner for Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the GTA. In 2008, Daniels donated land for the construction of 10 Habitat homes in Etobicoke, the single largest donation of land by a private company in Habitat Canada's history. "We are deeply appreciative of our ongoing partnership with Daniels," says Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto. "The Cinema Tower project is a great example of how innovative partnerships can push the boundaries of affordable housing, and further our mission of mobilizing community partners, like Daniels, to make the dream of homeownership a reality for low-income families."

"As city builders, Daniels has a leadership role to play in the creation of affordable housings," says Daniels' EVP Niall Haggart.  "Finding creative ways and partnerships to make homeownership a reality for as many people as possible is at the heart of every community we create.  Together with Habitat we are demonstrating that affordable housing can be achieved."

Just steps away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema Tower is located in the epicenter of the film, art and culture scene of our city. This 43-storey residence is fully equipped with spectacular building features and amenities, and is conveniently located near shopping centres, with access to streetcars and subways.

This will make all the difference to the Zhang-Min family, who are thrilled about owning a home. Originally from China, Frank, his wife Ping, and fourteen year-old daughter Alice moved to Canada in 2005, with hopes to provide a better future for their daughter. Since then, they have been struggling to get by. Due to high rental costs they were forced to live in a basement apartment of a small semi-detached house which lacked privacy, fresh air, and sunlight. "We are so happy to be moving into this brand new building. It's clean and it's safe," says Ping Ming. "We like downtown. It's close to my husband's workplace so it's very convenient for us."

Key Details

When:	Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Where:	Cinema Tower Condominium 21 Widmer Street Toronto, Party Room
Who:	The Zhang-Min family Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto Niall Haggart, Executive Vice President, The Daniels Corporation Councillor Adam Vaughan, Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina Sean Gadon, Director of the Affordable Housing Office, City of Toronto

About Habitat for Humanity Toronto:

Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing organization. We welcome all people without discrimination to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of five Toronto ReStores. Habitat Toronto ReStores sell quality new and gently-used donated building and household products. Marking our 25th anniversary, Habitat Toronto helped over 250 families find the safety and security of a home in 2013. Every 5.5 minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps a family improve their housing situation somewhere in the world.

About The Daniels Corporation:

The Daniels Corporation (danielshomes.ca) is one of Canada's pre-eminent builder/developers, building more than 24,000 new homes across the Greater Toronto Area for 32 years. Daniels was named the Tarion Warranty Corporation's 2012 Ontario High Rise Builder of the Year and the recipient of the 2012 Toronto Arts and Business Award presented by the Toronto Arts Foundation. Among its many initiatives, Daniels was chosen to partner with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize Regent Park - 69-acres in the heart of Toronto's Downtown East. Committed to community, Daniels offers innovative programs that help people achieve homeownership, champion's neighbourhood initiatives that enhance resident's quality of life, and supports numerous charities and non-profit organizations.

***Media are invited to attend and interviews will be available***

Please visit torontohabitat.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto

Please visit danielshomes.ca for more information on The Daniels Corporation and cinematower.com for more information on Cinema Tower Condominium.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Toronto

To attend the event or schedule an interview, please contact:

For Habitat for Humanity:

Joanna M. Dwyer
Director, Marketing & Communications
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Cell: 416-277-3064 | Office: 416-755-7353 ext. 259
[email protected]

For The Daniels Corporation: 

Carol King
tcgpr
Phone: [phone] x 25
[email protected]