Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser

Patty Parsons Project

There is a Muskoka fundraising event, on Tuesday, May 18th, at Moon River Lookout, to raise funds and an awareness of the most recent Habitat for Humanity Muskoka, Bala Build.

Sheila Overbeek is helping to organize The Patty Parsons Project. This project is in memory of her friend who died of a heart attack at age 42.

Ground-breaking is set for May 15th for the latest Muskoka Habitat for Humanity project in Bala.

The event take place at one the many great restaurants in Bala, 'Moon River Lookout'. Brian and I dined there for our anniversary!

They are planning on a silent auction at this event, and a jewelry sale, as well as refreshments and light snacks between 6:30 and 10:00 p.m.

Of course, if you'd like to give a donation to Habitat for Humanity Muskoka, just visit the website,

Or you can send your cheque, payable to Habitat for Humanity Muskoka to:

1964 Muskoka Beach Road
Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1R1
705 646-0106 Ext 5

or go to CanadaHelps.org

This event touches on two issues which concern me: myths of Muskoka housing and heart health.

1. HOUSING IN MUSKOKA

Housing is a difficult issue in Muskoka. In the spring of 2009, vacancy rates for Muskoka were 2.8%. Industry standards say that 3% is considered a “healthy” vacancy rate. There are approximately 450 households waiting for rent-geared-to income housing in Muskoka. The Myths of Muskoka abound —not all are landed, rich and famous!

The Landlord and Tenant Board received 85 applications from Muskoka’s landlords for eviction in 2008. Over 400 households received assistance from The District Municipality of Muskoka’s Community Worker for Homelessness in 2008. In 2008, 60 households received assistance from The District Municipality of Muskoka’s Emergency Shelter Fund for over $60,000.

Many households in Muskoka earn less than poverty wages. In 2006, the median income for families in Muskoka was $61 159, which is 12% behind the Provincial average.

2. HEART HEALTH

Another Muskoka issue near and dear to my heart is undiagnosed cardiovascular issues in women. Patty Parsons, for whom the Bala Build is named, is a prime example.

It is important to prevent, identify and treat and be aware of heart health, especially for women who remain under the radar, or should I say blood pressure cuff?

I was the co-ordinator for the CHAP Blood Pressure Clinics in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge in 2008. One of the most successful regions in the CHAP 2006 project. The picture is from one of our clinics, showing two of my volunteers, Marilyn and Lloyd.

Woman after woman came to us with untreated or undiagnosed high blood pressure issues. CHAP has a website that offers several Ministry-funded resources to help you monitor your own health. Women and men differ in symptoms and these require monitoring. You are wise to learn all you can. This post, on my Ontario Seniors Health Care blog gives you some more information.

Be well. Be safe. Give what you can to Habitat Muskoka, or the Habitat program in your area. It means a hand-up, not a hand out, and makes a difference to many lives.