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Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North raises over $55,000 through 2025 Matching Campaign

2025 Matching Campaign | Courtenay and Campbell River, BC

Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North is celebrating the success of its 2025 Matching Campaign, which raised a total of $55,631 to support affordable housing in our local communities.

This year’s campaign featured the largest matching pool in the organization’s history, totalling $12,500. The matching funds were generously provided by long-time supporter Jakob Christoph Real EstateGroup, joined by new matching partners Mainroad North Island Contracting, along with private donors Derek Lamb and Danna Chan.

“We are deeply grateful to our matching partners for stepping up in such a meaningful way,” said Sara Lopez, Communications & Fundraising Director for Habitat VIN. “Their leadership inspired our community to give generously during a time when many households are feeling real financial pressure.”

The campaign launched with festive, volunteer-powered events at both ReStore locations. On November 29 & December 13, the Courtenay and Campbell River ReStores hosted Selfies with

Santa and bake sales that brought joy, laughter, and plenty of sweet treats to shoppers. Special thanks go to Joe for suiting up as Santa, his wife Tanya for being a helpful elf, and the talented volunteer bakers who filled the tables. Throughout December, committed volunteers and ReStore team members staffed donation tables at both locations, helping connect shoppers with the impact of their giving.

Giving Tuesday on December 2 was a standout moment, raising more than $2,200 through online donations alone. Habitat VIN extends sincere thanks to everyone who contributed on that day and throughout the campaign.While the final total came in slightly below last year’s result, Habitat leaders emphasize the significance of this achievement.

“In a challenging economic climate, raising over $55,000 is something to be proud of,” emphasized Lopez. “It speaks to the strength of this community and the shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Funds raised through the Matching Campaign will support Habitat’s work to build and sustain affordable housing solutions across Vancouver Island North. Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North invites community members to keep the momentum going by becoming monthly donors. A small, consistent gift, even the cost of a streaming subscription, can make a lasting difference for local families.

To learn more or to become a monthly donor, visit vin.habitat.ca or your friendly local ReStore.

Habitat VIN Executive Director Jeff West & Jakob Christoph
Executive Director Jeff West (left) with long-time Habitat supporter Jakob Christoph (Christoph Real Estate Group) at Habitat’s Courtenay office. Christoph’s generosity helped create the largest matching pool in Habitat VIN’s history.
Chris Cowley of Mainroad North Island Contracting and Communications & Fundraising Director Sara Lopez
Chris Cowley of Mainroad North Island Contracting (right) with Communications & Fundraising Director Sara Lopez at the Courtenay ReStore during Habitat VIN’s 2025 Matching Campaign. Community partnerships like this help make affordable housing possible.

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