As the July sun beat down through a hazy Toronto skyline, residents and team members from several Schlegel Villages joined long-standing partners for the annual Boat 4 Hope fundraiser in support of the Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund.
Spearheaded by the team from The Village of Riverside Glen, the event has raised more than $120,000 for the Hope Fund since it first set sail in the summer of 2019. It’s an incredible opportunity for teams and residents to enjoy a day out on the water and see a new perspective of the Toronto skyline. More importantly, it’s a powerful reminder of the impact collective donations can have on the lives of team members facing unforeseen hardships.
May Lui, speaking on behalf of title sponsor SGP Group Purchasing, says she and her team are proud to be connected to a cause that truly reflects the power and beauty of community. She’s seen it firsthand in the Villages she’s visited and was touched to hear stories from team members who have been supported through the Hope Fund.
“This is a great cause, and it’s really touching,” May says, reflecting on the story of Tami Gunn from Coleman Care Centre, who was helped last fall when an explosion destroyed her home and severely injured her partner, Benn. “There are not many programs that support employees in this way during such emergencies. It is quite special—and to be part of this, we feel like family.”
The Hope Fund, created in 2018, is funded through voluntary payroll deductions, which are matched by the Schlegel family. Since then, more than 400 team members have been supported in times of need, with over $1.3 million in assistance provided. The generosity of fellow team members who contribute through payroll is mirrored by residents, families, and community partners who show their support through direct donations and events like Boat 4 Hope.
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