A local business has just boosted the resources for Covenant House, which is the largest shelter in Canada for homeless and runaway Youths.
Russell Alexander, a lawyer in the Durham Region and City of Kawartha Lakes, has found a way to give back to the community by starting a Lindsay-based charitable fund; the Russell I. Alexander Giving Fund.
“We have always donated funds and volunteered time to help people in our community who are in need”, said Mr. Alexander. “We decided to formally create our Charitable Giving Fund this year to provide financial support to those charitable organizations that are doing great work, but not as visible as some of their larger counterparts. Each and every one is doing outstanding work and it points to the overall spirit of service in our community and beyond”.
Tiffany MacDonald of Covenant House Toronto stated: “Covenant House is so grateful to the Russell I. Alexander Giving Fund for their generous contribution. 80 % of the funds used for our operating fund to run the house comes in from donations, and that helps us in the programs that we run, including the school, health clinic and the life skills program.”
Macdonald said. “At any time of year, but particularly now when homelessness is so much more difficult to bear, this type of gift is more than just the dollars – it is the spirit that helps warm our hearts.”
Covenant House is the largest shelter for homeless youth in Canada and is located in the GTA. Only 20% of youth using the shelter are from the GTA area – the rest come from rural communities all across Canada including the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Durham Region. For more information on Covenant House or to make a donation, please visit www.covenanthouse.on.ca.
More information about the Russell I. Alexander Giving Fund can be found at www.russellalexander.com
