JW MARRIOTT MUSKOKA donates to Habitat for Humanity
Donation will help fund build projects, including the Bala Build
Nothing makes the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce happier than making connections between Chamber Members that benefit our community.
Didier Dolivet, JW Marriott and Doug Cake, Bracebridge ReStore Manager
In this case, it all started with a phone call from Didier Dolivet, the general manager of The JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa. He wanted ideas about where to donate $60,000 of
furnishings no longer needed at the resort. Chamber Executive Director Norah Fountain connected him with Habitat for Humanity Gateway North’s Kimberley Woodcock, and everything rolled from there.
Here’s the back story: The JW Marriott The Rosseau began a complete refurbishment of the entire property including the lobby, public spaces and guestrooms upon celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018. The cottage style furnishings in rattan and solid oak with green and gold accented upholstery were replaced with a modern look of dark blue and gray. With help from the Muskoka Lakes Chamber, the management of the resort contacted Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN), offering all this furniture and décor to be sold in ReStores across their territory.
Says Dolivet: “We are delighted to partner with Habitat for Humanity in this noble cause. All the items donated are in excellent condition as they are only 10 years old. They have been gently used and frequently cleaned. We hope they bring joy to many homes and families across Muskoka. 2022 is a year of Hope and new beginnings for many, this is a small gesture of kindness that we want to share with our community.”
“At $60,000, the value of this donation is significant,” says Kimberley Woodcock, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North. “We collected 28 truckloads, representing over 8,600 items – from furniture to lighting, décor, and art. This allowed us to share this merchandise among all five of the ReStores in our region, which means the profits from sales will benefit build projects in Muskoka and beyond (including the 2022 Bala Build).”
“Our ReStores are social enterprise retailers,” continues Woodcock. “We don’t purchase product, so donations are vital. They fund Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. This year, we have active build projects that will serve eight families in Muskoka and North Simcoe. That’s a big impact on communities where the inventory of affordable housing is almost non-existent.”
Habitat for Humanity ReStores welcomes donations of new and used furniture, appliances, décor, and home improvement and building materials, from corporate and personal donors. They also accept e-waste, scrap metal, and non-working appliances, diverting tons of waste from landfills each year. Profits from ReStore sales support, promote, and financially enable the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Every donation serves the community and creates possibility in a way no other retailer can offer, thanks to their connection to Habitat for Humanity.
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN)
Amalgamated in 2014, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers and Habitat homeowners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our service area, in Canada and around the world. Our region serves communities across central and northern Ontario, including Orillia, Midland, Muskoka, Parry Sound, North Bay, and Sudbury. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which was established in 1985 and has grown to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information, please visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com.
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
Didier Dolivet and Doug Cake, Bracebridge ReStore Manager
