Putting an End to Youth Homelessness in Canada
The Home Depot® Canada Foundation Launches The Orange Door Project
TORONTO, May 29, 2014 – On any given night, more than 6,000 young people are without a place to call home; that has to change. That’s why The Home Depot® Canada Foundation is committed to ending youth homelessness through The Orange Door Project; giving youth the housing, support services and hope they need to live safe, healthy and productive lives.
The Orange Door Project comes out of The Home Depot Canada Foundation’s three-year, $10-million pledge to support renovation and repair projects and programs that provide youth access to safe, stable housing and life-skills development programs.
A key component of The Orange Door Project is The Home Depot Canada Foundation’s in-store fundraising campaign, which starts today. Customers shopping at any of the 180 Home Depot stores across the country can donate $2.00at the checkout to purchase a (paper) Orange Door. One hundred per cent of all proceeds will stay in the community and support a local youth-serving housing charity. The campaign runs until July 2, 2014.
“The Orange Door Project is committed to putting an end to youth homelessness by providing youth with the housing and life-skills they require to establish independent, productive lives,” said Peg Hunter, Chair, The Home Depot Canada Foundation. “Together, with the support of our customers, we can help Canada’s most vulnerable youth realize their potential and build brighter futures.”
Other aspects of The Orange Door Program include: regional partnerships with leading youth-serving housing organizations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax; grant programs to support youth-serving housing charities with renovation and repair projects; and an Issues Advisory Council of thought leaders and experts in the youth homelessness sector. To learn more, visit http://www.homedepot.ca/foundation.
Quick Facts
- Youth are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population in Canada
- One in 5 shelter users in Canada are youth
- The Home Depot Canada Foundation announced its three-year, $10-million pledge in October, 2013
About The Home Depot Canada Foundation:
Since 2009, The Home Depot Canada Foundation has invested more than $13-million to help improve homes and communities across Canada because it believes that good neighbours make great neighbourhoods. The Foundation’s primary focus is to support housing initiatives that benefit Canadian youth because safe, stable, affordable housing matters. It is the cornerstone of vibrant, strong communities and is directly linked to helping youth realize their full potential and build brighter futures. Learn more: www.homedepot.ca/foundation
SOURCE The Home Depot Canada
Image with caption: “The Home Depot Canada Foundation (CNW Group/The Home Depot Canada)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140529_C2625_PHOTO_EN_2332.jpg
For further information: To coordinate a media interview or photo opportunity, please contact: Stephanie Dale, Consultant, sdale@environicspr.comm, Direct: 416-969-2756; Candace Beres, Account Coordinator,cberes@environicspr.com, Direct: 416-969-2705; Erika Botond, Sr. Manager, Communications,erika_botond@homedpot.com, Direct: 416-412-6760
