Fundraising Committee for the G. Tackaberry & Family Home in the stretch for the mile Committee looks to raise the final $400,000 to reach $3 million dollar goal

Athens – The Fundraising team, in support of the G. Tackaberry & Family Home, is pleased to announce they are at 87% of their $3 million fundraising goal, and sprinting to the finish line with a final push for the remaining $400,000.

Now sitting at $2.6 million, the Fundraising Committee for the new 192-resident room home once again is thanking George Tackaberry for his Double Your Donation contribution of up to a total donation of $50,000. Starting September 1st, anyone who donates to the campaign will have their contribution matched. The team is spreading the word in hopes of bringing in the final $400,000 by October 1st.

Since the campaign began in 2023, donors at all levels (individuals, community groups, service clubs, municipalities and businesses) have stepped up to contribute, including naming rights to entire “neighbourhoods” (wings), dining and living rooms, dining balconies, sunrooms, individual resident rooms and other spaces in the home. Fundraising dollars will support the extra amenities like TVs, resident in-room “lifts”, advanced technology and beautification (like flowers, landscaping and seasonal décor) for the property.

“The contributions by these individuals, families and organizations have allowed us to reach 87% of our goal thus far, and now the push is on to reach the finish line,” said Fundraising Chair Doug Struthers. “Every single dollar counts, and we sincerely thank everyone who has contributed and hope others will consider joining our donor list.”

Struthers said the home is on track, on budget and near completion with the targeted resident move-in date of this fall – current residents first and then the new 132 residents to follow.

A sign promoting the fact that the committee is SOOOO CLOSE to its goal will be on Highway 42 in front of the home. A direct mailer will also be distributed to Athens residents and businesses.

The redevelopment project is the largest capital construction project in the history of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville at a cost of more than $86,000,000. Construction of the new three-story, six-wing building in Athens, Ontario and will replace the existing 60-bed long-term care Maple View Lodge facility upon its opening. Options for the repurposing of the existing building are currently under review and include (but are not limited to) affordable housing, licensed childcare, short-term stay dormitory living, and community paramedicine.

Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke said, “We hope you can support this project to provide amenities that improve the everyday lives of our residents. Become part of the legacy!”

For anyone interested in donating, go to www.mvldonate.ca; e-transfers and credit cards are accepted, and receipts will be issued for a taxable benefit.