RONA Foundation Pledges $1M to Fortify Housing for Vulnerable Canadians

BOUCHERVILLE, QC – April 16, 2026 – The RONA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of home improvement giant RONA inc., today announced the 2026 launch of its "Build from the Heart" campaign, a major national initiative aiming to allocate one million dollars to seven non-profit organizations across Canada. The funds are earmarked for critical construction and renovation projects designed to improve housing access and living conditions for some of the country's most vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence, low-income families, and individuals facing challenges with disabilities or mental health.

Addressing a Deepening National Crisis

The campaign launches amidst a backdrop of significant social and economic pressures straining Canadian communities. Recent data paints a stark picture of the need for such initiatives. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has warned of a persistent housing supply shortage, with home prices expected to surpass previous peaks by 2026. This housing crunch disproportionately affects renters, with a 2024 Habitat for Humanity Canada survey revealing that 75% of them sacrifice basic necessities like food to afford housing.

Simultaneously, the need for safe havens from domestic violence remains acute. Police services across Canada reported over 128,000 victims of intimate partner violence in 2023, a figure that underscores a distressing trend of increased violence since 2018. For women and children fleeing these situations, secure second-stage housing is a critical component of their recovery journey.

Furthermore, Canadians with disabilities and mental health issues face profound barriers to stable housing. Statistics Canada data from 2021 showed that individuals with disabilities were significantly more likely to miss rent or mortgage payments and to be on waitlists for social housing. The link between housing instability and mental well-being is undeniable, with rising living costs exacerbating anxiety and depression across the nation. It is within this challenging context that the RONA Foundation's campaign seeks to make a tangible difference.

Building Hope from Coast to Coast

The million-dollar fund will be distributed among seven carefully selected organizations, each with a proven track record of community support. The selection committee, led by the RONA Foundation, sifted through over 100 applications to identify projects with the most significant potential impact.

The beneficiaries represent a diverse cross-section of Canadian social services:

• In Alberta, YWCA Banff will receive support for its work providing affordable housing and shelter for women and children fleeing violence in the Bow Valley, a region facing immense housing pressures.
• Habitat for Humanity Victoria in British Columbia will leverage the funds to continue its mission of building affordable homes, providing a pathway to stability and independence for local families.
• Manitoba's Ka Ni Kanichihk, an Indigenous-led organization in Winnipeg, will be bolstered in its efforts to provide culturally-grounded programs and support, including for those needing secure living environments.
• In the Maritimes, Youth Impact Jeunesse will see its capacity enhanced to provide housing and resources for at-risk and homeless youth across New Brunswick.
• Ontario's Charity House Windsor, which operates the Brentwood Recovery Home, will use the funding to improve its facilities for individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse.
• The Bureau de consultation jeunesse in Québec will receive aid for its work supporting young people, including those needing temporary housing, on their path to autonomy.
• In Saskatchewan, SOFIA House will be able to strengthen its role as a vital second-stage shelter, offering long-term, supportive housing for families escaping domestic violence.

"We received over 100 applications from organizations with really interesting construction and renovation projects," said Renaud-B. Paquin, Director of the RONA Foundation. "Each organization's commitment to their community and the quality of the projects they submitted showed incredible dedication. The seven selected projects will meet concrete needs to provide safety, dignity and quality of life to the most vulnerable."

A Collective Effort for Community Change

The ambitious $1 million goal will be achieved through a multi-pronged fundraising strategy that engages RONA's entire ecosystem—from its corporate partners to its everyday customers. The campaign will run from April 18 to May 31 in all RONA+ and RONA corporate stores, as well as online.

During this period, customers will be invited to make a donation at checkout. Reinforcing the company's commitment, RONA inc. will also donate $5 to the foundation for every major appliance sold between April 18 and May 29. The fundraising efforts will culminate on July 6 with the RONA Foundation's Annual Golf Day, which brings together company vendors for a day of philanthropy.

"In light of our current economic context, the funds we are raising will contribute to providing a comfortable and safe place to live for vulnerable Canadians," said Catherine Laporte, President of the RONA Foundation’s Board of Directors. "Our stores, partners and customers are coming together to build stronger communities, and I am so proud to see that everyone is getting involved and wants to make a difference in the lives of those in need."

A Pillar of Corporate Responsibility

This campaign is not an isolated gesture but a cornerstone of RONA's long-term commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Established in 1998, the RONA Foundation has consistently channeled millions of dollars into Canadian communities, donating over $3.2 million in 2023 alone. This places the company's philanthropic efforts on par with other major retailers like The Home Depot Canada Foundation, which focuses on youth homelessness, and Lowe's, with its broad community improvement grants.

RONA's strategy leverages its core competency—home improvement—to address a fundamental social need: housing. This approach, which also includes employee-led initiatives like the "Home Sweet Home" campaign, demonstrates a deep integration of social purpose into the company's identity. This commitment extends beyond philanthropy to environmental stewardship, with the company earning recognition as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for its efforts in waste reduction and sustainable product offerings.

The specific amounts allocated to each of the seven non-profit organizations will be officially announced on July 7, 2026. Until then, the campaign serves as a powerful call to action, inviting Canadians to participate in building a more secure and supportive foundation for their neighbours in need.