Centred Content
TORONTO, October 3, 2018
Reena Foundation is the recipient of a $1.8 million dollar donation that will see the creation of a new group home exclusively for women.
For over 40 years, Reena has provided community services and housing for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
The donation comes from the MIRIAM AND LARRY ROBBINS FOUNDATION; the Robbins family is well known for their philanthropy. Last year, their support allowed Reena to purchase two vans and expand its summer camp program to include campers with more challenging disabilities.
Women with developmental disabilities are 65% more likely to experience abuse,” says Reena Foundation Executive Director, Sheila (Miller) Lampert. This home will help address an urgent need in our community.” Currently, Reena provides specialized residential support in over 30 group homes and over 131 Supported Independent Living Apartments.
The donation will allow for the cost of the house as well as necessary renovations and a minivan to transport the residents wherever they need to go.
Bryan Keshen, Reena’s President and CEO noted that “this gift will transform the lives of the residents, who will not only have a home in the heart of the Jewish community but will also have access to an array of community services they did not previously receive.”
“This was a cause that really spoke to our heart,” says Monty S. Robbins.
It also spoke to the heart of Toronto Maple Leaf, Mitchell Marner. In addition to playing for the Leafs, Marner also works to improve the lives of others through the Marner Assist Fund, a fund which helps various organizations across Canada. When he heard about the gift to Reena, he was honoured to be a part of it. Participating in the cheque presentation gave him the opportunity not only to lend support, but also to meet some of his biggest fans. Ashtyn Robbins made a presentation on behalf of her family, thanking Marner for joining them in support of Reena.
The Robbins family, are legendary Leaf Fans, but they aren’t the only ones. In honour of Marner’s presence, Chris, an individual supported by Reena, created a one-of-a kind painting for his favourite Leaf.
“This is a painting of a heart,” says Chris. “I paint with my whole heart and Mitch Marner plays with his whole heart.”
The home is scheduled for completion in 2019.