The relationship between the Robert Bosa Foundation and Collingwood Neighbourhood House goes back nearly three decades, beginning when Bosa Construction built CNH’s main neighbourhood house 27 years ago. Since 2012, the Robert Bosa Foundation has focused on supporting families, children and youth, in communities where Bosa Properties builds. This year, that support included funding for CNH’s food security initiatives and family outings, as well as sponsorship of its 40th anniversary gala — providing a significant contribution towards CNH’s fundraising goal.
“This neighbourhood has always held a special place in our hearts,” says Sylvia Bosa, Director of the Robert Bosa Foundation. “From the very beginning, our father has always believed strongly in giving back. Building relationships, sharing opportunities and contributing to local communities have always gone hand in hand with our values as a company — it’s simply a core part of who we are.”
For the Robert Bosa Foundation, supporting organizations like Collingwood Neighbourhood House is about building trusted relationships and providing meaningful, sustained support that responds to the needs of the community.
Sylvia credits CNH Family Development and Homelessness Manager Ana Mateescu with helping the Foundation understand where its support can be most helpful. Since 2019, this has included food security initiatives and holiday hampers, as well as programs that bring families together and create opportunities for new experiences.
“Ana really understands the families CNH serves and where support can make a difference,” Sylvia says.
Working with trusted community organizations like CNH also means support can reach families in a way that respects their dignity and privacy. The Foundation sees its role not simply as a funder, but as a partner to organizations that know their communities and have strong relationships with the people they serve.
“For us, it’s about more than simply providing funding,” Sylvia says. “It’s about building relationships with organizations like CNH, listening to what they are seeing in the community and understanding where we can be most helpful. That’s what being a partner in community means to us.”
Ultimately, the value of organizations like CNH can be seen in the connections, experiences and opportunities they create for families.
“Every family that comes through Collingwood Neighbourhood House has hopes and dreams for themselves and their children,” Sylvia says. “Having a place where families feel supported and connected to their community can make such a difference – and help create opportunities for what comes next.”