The Kingston Whig-Standard
Kingston developer donates $100,000 to support several local charities
By Lisa Jemision
For The Whig-Standard
A Kingston developer has written a big cheque that will help 10 local causes get closer to their goals.
Kim Donovan, president of Kincore Holdings Ltd., donated $100,000 through the United Way yesterday.
Donovan, a former chair of the United Way campaign, said the donation is in recognition of the city’s potential.
“We’re committed Kingston and the potential greatness of this community,” he said.
The breadth of causes targeted by the donation demonstrates a recognition of potential in a variety of areas.
With an emphasis on developing a vibrant downtown core and youth, Donovan donated money toward the Market Square Restoration Campaign, Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre campaign, building children’s play structures in Artillery and McBurney parks, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Wally Elmer Arena Community Hub, the Rideau Heights Neighbourhood Revitalization, St. Paul’s Restoration fund, the Hospice Walk at City park, Kingston Family YMCA’s capital campaign and a downtown arts incubator.
The United Way accepted the donation that will be shared equally among 10 recipients.
Bhavana Varma, president of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington United Way, said it’s “very exciting that we’re part of the process.
“It’s very exciting because the causes that {Donovan} has picked are very true to the beliefs of the company,” she said.
Donovan said Kincore, which is also celebrating its 10th year in business has focused on the downtown area and the development of arts and culture, while also branching out into the broader community, especially northern Kingston.
He said he’d like to see the Wally Elmer arena revitalized and used for a variety of purposes by “kids of all ages.” “I’d like to see 30-year-olds rollerblading there,” he said, “Or doing arts and crafts.”
The main goal, he said, is “to provide passive and active recreational outlets” to keep local children engaged in positive activities.
Where possible, Donovan added, he’d like to work with each cause to determine a use for the Kincore donation.
In Market Square, for example, he said he’d like to see a “dimmer switch” put on all the light posts so that the lamps could be dimmed during movie showings or concerts.
In some cases, he said, he’d like to see Kincore’s donation leveraged to generate further donations from other companies or individuals.
“I also believe that our community is very giving and very caring. There are people with a lot of resources,” he said, adding that these people just need to understand how they can put their resources to good used.
The partnership Kincore has made with United Way, he added, gives him confidence that the company’s donation will be effectively distributed and use.
From exterior restoration at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the hospice walk at the Palliative Care Centre on Barrie Street, to more high profile campaigns such as the Sports and Recreation Centre or University Hospitals Foundation, the donations will benefit the community in a multitude of ways.
However, Donovan added, the act of goodwill benefits the company as well.
“By ensuring the strength and viability of our community, we’re helping make it a better community for investment.”
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