By Julian Uccello
StateView Homes
As gratifying as the holiday spirit is, giving should be a focus for everyone throughout the year, especially new-home builders and developers. The concept of “home” includes caring for everyone in the new home and condo communities we build – and in the greater community. We provide housing for families, and many of these buyers are struggling with problems. We can help, especially when children are involved.
The new-home building industry, on the whole, is extremely generous. We read about major developers donating millions and funding hospital wings and the like. I have also seen the positive impact smaller builders and development companies have made on charities and non-profit organizations through fundraising, volunteering and promoting awareness for worthy causes.
Many builders, including StateView Homes, zero in on causes that mean something to them personally. I used to play pro soccer in Italy, until I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2011. I am now the lead ambassador for MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the disease at sports stadiums. Fundraising efforts go toward helping the families of loved ones who have the disease, and to the advancement of research at Johns Hopkins Project Restore MS Research Centre, in the hopes of finding a cure. In 2021, I set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds in a special walk, during which I attempted to walk two km a day for 16 days straight. I raised $35,000, all of which went to MS4MS.
At StateView, giving back to the greater community by helping families with children is high on our list of charitable priorities… and for families with children who have serious injuries or illnesses, a temporary “home” is often Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). We have been supporting fundraising efforts for SickKids since our company was established in 2009.
Industry firms also partner up from time to time to give back. This fall, we were a sponsor and Matching Gift donor for SickKids GetLoud presented by PCL Construction. This annual event raises funds for building a new children’s hospital, continued breakthrough discoveries, and partnering with healthcare groups to deliver world-class care to more kids outside the hospital walls. In September, we took part in a three-day “match” campaign, and as a result, donated more than $120,000.
All charities and non-profit organizations need help from individuals as well. The holidays last only a matter of days, but we in the industry can do a lot to make sure more people are able to celebrate again this year.
Julian Uccello is Vice-President of Operations at StateView Homes. stateviewhomes.com
