In 2025, the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) donated $191,680 to support housing-related initiatives in Burlington, Haldimand County, Hamilton, Niagara North, Norfolk County, Mississauga, Waterloo Region, and surrounding areas.
These donations are made possible through Cornerstone’s participation in the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation’s (ORCF) Every REALTOR® Campaign (ERC). Cornerstone contributes $2 per member each month, which is distributed annually to charities that support local shelters and services. The grant recipients are registered charities offering individuals protection from hunger, harsh elements, abuse, disabilities, and illness.
In 2024, Cornerstone supported 28 organizations through the ORCF, totaling $127,416.95. In 2025, that number grew to 38 organizations, a 35 per cent increase in demand for assistance. This increase reflects greater community need.
“Our communities are facing a serious housing crisis due to a lack of shelter and affordable homes,” said Cornerstone Chair, Julie Sergi. “The rising number of funding requests highlights the urgency of these issues and the need for broad support.”
Food banks are experiencing record demand, showing how homelessness and food insecurity are connected. More families are relying on these services than ever before.
“Each year, Cornerstone hosts a range of fundraisers and community initiatives, including the Great Food Sort Challenge in Waterloo Region and a Food4Kids Food Packing Initiative in Hamilton, alongside our grant program,” Sergi added. “With housing and food insecurity remaining pressing issues, we are committed to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change and deliver essential services to individuals and families needing a safe place to call home.”
Cornerstone is dedicated to fostering collaboration among these organizations, amplifying resources, and addressing challenges.
The 2025 Grant Recipients included:
- Armagh House
- Carpenter Hospice
- Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton
- Child Witness Centre of Waterloo Region
- Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton
- Embrave
- Food4Kids
- Good Shepherd
- Habitat for Humanity – Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin
- Habitat for Humanity – Hamilton
- Habitat for Humanity – Waterloo
- Hospice Mississauga
- Hospice Waterloo
- Indwell Haldimand-Norfolk
- Indwell Hamilton
- Indwell Kitchener
- Lissard
- March of Dimes Hamilton
- Mark Preece House
- Micah House
- Neighbour 2 Neighbour
- Norfolk Haldimand Hospice
- Nutrition for Learning
- oneROOF
- Restorations Second Stage Homes
- Salvation Army – Hamilton Booth
- Shelter Movers
- Shifra Homes
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
- St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation
- Starling Home
- The Dam
- The Working Centre
- Tiny Home Takeout
- Waterloo Wayside
- Welcome Inn Community Centre
- Wesley
- YWCA Hamilton
Learn more about the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation and their initiatives by visiting realtorscareontario.ca.
About Cornerstone
Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) is a not-for-profit organization with over 325 years of collective service from its founding associations.
Established on July 1, 2024, Cornerstone leads with purpose, advocates boldly, and creates positive change for the success of our members throughout Burlington, Haldimand County, Hamilton, Mississauga, Niagara North, Norfolk County, Waterloo Region, and surrounding areas.
With approximately 7,500 members, Cornerstone is the second-largest REALTOR® association in Ontario, dedicated to promoting the greater good of the real estate community.
SOURCE, CORNERSTONE
To learn more, visit CORNERSTONE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
