PETERBOROUGH-The full redevelopment of a historic landmark in Peterborough takes a major step forward with generous support from the Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation.
This gift adds to the innovative redevelopment of The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) that began in September 2014. As community builders, the Pick family recognize the growing need for affordable housing to meet the increasing demand in the community. This generous donation concludes the development of the Mount’s main building for a total of seventy-nine apartments.
“Operation Upstream” as we call it, enables us to support unhoused and homeless people before they need more intense supports like those in our hospital system,” states Martin Pick. “In this way, we are helping others to a better place. We are pleased to contribute to the community with a gift to facilitate the completion of 11 more affordable apartments at TMCC. The Pick Family supports the well-being of the community, and we are proud to be part of this beneficial social development in the City of Peterborough. In addition, we are excited to partner with TMCC on this project as our family has been deeply concerned to see the rise in homelessness, hunger, and the urgent need across the community. Peterborough is a great place to live, but lack of affordable housing is a growing concern, and we knew we could help. We hope our gift to this project will inspire others to step forward to help address the challenges our community is facing. We believe in the generosity and commitment of TMCC donors and are adding our support to stand alongside them in the meaningful work they fund in the hopes that it will inspire others to join us.”
“These affordable apartments will have a positive impact in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “On behalf of the citizens of Peterborough, I want to thank Martin and Denise Pick for their outstanding generosity. As a former Minister of Agriculture, I developed a wonderful relationship with Martin Pick. Pickseed is a national and international leader in providing grass seeds and forages for the world’s agricultural community. The Mount Community Centre has improved the lives and wellbeing of so many people in our City, and this gift will allow them to make an even greater impact. This is clearly the second miracle on Monaghan Road.”
“We are humbled and beyond grateful to share that Martin and Denise Pick have made a generous donation to support the continued redevelopment of TMCC,” said Steve Kylie, Chair of the Board for The Mount Community Centre. “The Pick Family has a rich history of multi generational philanthropy and the family name is synonymous with community building. They recognized the critical need to bolster affordable housing as part of sustaining the community and their generosity is nothing short of remarkable. The work our organization does is essential for our community and we couldn’t be more appreciative knowing the difference this gift will make toward improving people’s lives, and their hope for the future so that they can move forward with their lives. It is, without question, the kind of life-changing gift that will enable us to complete the vital work we do to create safe, clean, and supportive places for people to live. I am so proud that such respected philanthropists see the strength of our organization to tackle important challenges and drive crucial change in our community. This donation represents an incredible endorsement, an incredible opportunity and an incredible responsibility. The Pick name is now part of an incredible legacy that will have a positive impact on our city for generations to come. We are honoured and humbled by the trust the Pick family has placed in us and their love of our community.”
The Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation exists to help others by providing support to organizations that assist children and families in need, provide healthcare for all, assist marginalized groups and elevate the Canadian spirit by supporting arts and culture.
Otto and Marie Pick were the parents of Martin Pick. In 1938 Otto and Marie Pick left Czechoslovakia ahead of the Nazi occupation and arrived in Canada that summer. As immigrants, they were happily surprised at the kindness, support and friendship of others helping them establish themselves in Ontario. Through their hard work, creativity and courage, a major Canadian seed company was established and the founding spirit of the charitable foundation was born.
The Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation was established 8 years ago and has been largely supportive of local charities with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PHRC) a constant priority. The Pick Family support enriches our community by contributing to the social and economic development in a long lasting, sustainable way.
The Mount Community Centre (TMCC) is an outstanding property within the City of Peterborough that has heritage significance by virtue of its architectural, historical, and environmental aspects dating back to the 1860s. Purchased in 2013 by the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network, the facility became The Mount Community Centre after it received non-profit charitable status and was turned over to a newly formed volunteer 10-member Board of Directors.
