A London couple known for philanthropy and entrepreneurship are throwing their support and money behind a new downtown home for teen moms.
Frank and Kathy Longo donated $250,000 Tuesday to Youth Opportunities Unlimited's (YOU) New Addition campaign. The project will see the former site of GT's bar and lounge at Richmond St. and York St. converted into safe and affordable homes for youth, pregnant teens, and new mothers and babies at risk of being homeless.
"Frank and I have worked hard, done well and really think it is important to give back to the community," said Kathy Longo. "We have five children. We want them to live in a healthy community and we want to teach them that you have to give back, share, be part, and take ownership of your community. That is what we are doing here today."
The Longos, who operated Longos Foodservice Equipment Inc. for three decades before selling in 2011, will also act as honorary co-chairs of the New Addition campaign.
"As honorary chairs, Frank and I will be out and about spreading the story, the complex story of all of the wonderful things that YOU does for our youth in our city. We are only as healthy as our youth are and we have to nurture them," said Kathy.
In addition to the units for young mothers, the 26,000 sq ft facility will house an integrated program hub focused on physical and mental health, employment, education, and training.
This is the second major donation to be made to the New Addition campaign. In October, the Smith family announced a $1-million gift in honour of Joan Smith, Ontario’s first female solicitor general and mother of seven.
"There would not be a New Addition without these gifts and the awareness that they are raising within our community," said Sarah Ashfield, chair of the YOU New Addition Campaign.
A total of $8.2-million is needed for the new facility. Construction is slated to begin next summer.
