Surrey, B.C., Nov. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A campaign to provide vital housing to women fleeing violence, refugees, seniors and others in need has reached its fundraising goal thanks in part to a donation from a group of maritime employer companies. The group of waterfront companies largely operating south of the Fraser River, informally called South of the Fraser Maritime Employers, will donate $36,000 toward the new affordable housing project, capping an impressive fundraising effort steered by women leaders in the community. The group is comprised of Ceres Terminals Canada, DP World Fraser Surrey, Global Container Terminals Canada, Western Group, and BC Maritime Employers Association.
The facility, which will be operated by Habitat Housing Society, a sister organization of Options Community Services, will be constructed at King George Hwy. and 81st Ave. in Surrey. Once complete, 70 per cent of the complex will offer below-market housing rentals, starting at $375 per month, targeted to those with the greatest needs.
“Options Community Services is one of the most respected not-for-profit organizations in the South Fraser region. We couldn’t be prouder to answer their call and support their critical work building affordable housing for women, youth and others at risk of homelessness in our communities,” said Jennifer Perih of Global Container Terminals on behalf of the group.
The fundraising campaign, called Women of Options, raised more than $1.5 million through the efforts of 50 women in the community. The campaign was supported by Penny Priddy, a dedicated community leader in Surrey and former board member of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority who recalled the great corporate citizens in the waterfront community and reached out to them.
“For more than fifty years, Options has been working hard to help the residents of Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley, and it became the obvious choice for our five organizations to come together to support more meaningfully,” said Perih. “In making this donation, we hope to encourage others to consider ways they can support those who may be struggling in their communities.”
According to the 2020 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count, Surrey had the second largest number of people impacted by homelessness in the region. The new housing complex will cater to women fleeing violence, refugees, seniors, at-risk youth and others facing barriers in finding decent, affordable homes.
“What a wonderful way to wrap up our campaign to raise $1.5 million to build affordable homes for Surrey women and others in need of support,” said Christine Mohr, CEO of Options Community Services and Habitat Housing Society, its sister company managing the project. “Thanks to Penny Priddy, we have forged new relationships within our waterfront industry. Together, we are making a big difference.”
On April 8, 2022, Women of Options is hosting a fundraising gala to raise additional funds to support Options Community Services. The gala will feature international entertainment, dinner and dancing along with live and silent auctions. For more information about how you can support Options Community Services, please visit https://womenofoptions.ca/gala
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About the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA):
The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association represents approximately 49 waterfront employers and, by extension, the more than 9,400 people who work for them. We help optimize our members’ operations by adding our expertise in labour relations, human resources, safety & training, and recruiting.
About Ceres Terminals Canada:
Ceres Terminals Canada is the cruise ship terminal operator for the Port of Vancouver and Canada’s largest cruise port at Canada Place, which in 2019, saw 289 sailings and 1.1 million passengers. Ceres Terminals Canada also provides stevedoring services for RoRo vessels entering the Port of Vancouver in New Westminster and Richmond. Ceres has over 60 years of professional experience managing world class terminals in North America with a diversified portfolio including cruise, containers, RoRo , breakbulk, bulk and project cargos.
About DP World Fraser Surrey:
DP World is the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. As part of DP World (Canada) Inc., DP World Fraser Surrey is the largest modern, multi-purpose marine terminal on the West Coast of North America. We have been serving the needs of our customers in the Port of Vancouver, and around the world, since 1962. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work.
About Global Container Terminals:
Headquartered in Vancouver, GCT Global Container Terminals Inc. operates four Green Marine certified terminals in two principal North American ports, including GCT Vanterm in Vancouver and GCT Deltaport, Canada’s largest container terminal in Delta, BC. For over a century, GCT has sustainably grown with innovative technology and our industry-leading Global Commitment to the environment and community.
About Western Group:
Western Group, and the enterprises within, play an essential role connecting global trade to critical interfaces of Canada’s marine, rail and road serviced transportation corridors. Within Western Group are two divisions: Western Stevedoring, which is the largest and most diversified terminal and stevedoring company in British Columbia, and Western IntermodeX a premier integrated intermodal services company, linking cargo moved by container, rail, barge and truck to global markets.
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