Lakewood of Strathmore details newly coined Growth and Giving Initiative
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lakewood of Strathmore is announcing more information regarding the coining of its Growth and Giving Initiative, which will serve as the title sponsor of ongoing and future community donations.
The launch of the program is distinguishing itself through the committed support of the Strathmore Overnight Shelter, donating $1,000 from each lot sold through Phase 2B of the Lakewood of Strathmore development plan.
This comes off the heels of a similar $46,000 donation made to #NotInMyCity in June 2024, which was made in partnership with Paul Brandt.
“That was a near and dear campaign to our hearts, as it does help to bring awareness to human trafficking, and to end the terrible human trafficking that is going on throughout the world,” said Scott Silva, director of sales and marketing for Lakewood of Strathmore.
“Every phase, we are looking to find a nonprofit or a charity that we can help support, and this is coming directly from the development team. That means every time you buy a home, you are actually supporting this organization (and) this comes directly out of the development group.”
Throughout Phase 2B, Lakewood of Strathmore has a total of 76 lots available for purchase, which has the potential to see $76,000 donated at the end of this year’s program to the Overnight Shelter.
Silva explained in order to pull this off, certain sales and development milestones must be met – some of which have already been achieved.
These milestone requirements include the sale of at least 80 per cent of lots in Phase 2B to builders, achievement of all necessary development entitlements, approvals, endorsements and financing, maintenance of construction schedules, and the completion of home construction sales.
“We have already been able to reach those milestones with our builders – they have absorbed over 80 per cent of the lots. We are now working through some of the final development approvals, but what is really important is the construction adherence,” said Silva. “With where we are right now, we are hoping that we are able to give this donation this summer … in a presentation with Elizabeth Karp at the Overnight Shelter.”
Silva estimated the cheque presentation to take place sometime in July, which aims to be in line with the construction and renovation schedule of the shelter building.
The money being committed to the Overnight Shelter is set to contribute to significant renovations and expansion of the current building in order to better accommodate both patrons and increase the functionality of the space for staff and volunteers.
Karp previously estimated the total cost of the renovation will be in the realm of $150,000, which normally would not be possible without a significant injection such as the one aiming to be provided by the Growth and Giving Initiative.