THOROLD, ON., MARCH 27, 2024 - At the 2024 Niagara State of the Region, held yesterday at John Michaels’ Banquet & Event Centre in Thorold, Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group, was awarded with a 2024 Niagara Impact Award (Individual) for his commitment to Community Leadership in Niagara, specifically, LemonAID Day, an initiative that has brightened the lives of countless children by funding their summer camp adventures in Niagara

Founded in 2021, the Regional Chair’s Niagara Impact Awards (NIA) celebrate those individuals, businesses, and non-profit entities that have made outstanding contributions to enhancing the quality of life in Niagara over the past year. Recognizing the transformative power of volunteerism and community engagement, these awards honour exemplary efforts across five categories: Community Leader, Youth, Non-Profit, Individual, and Business. 

Nominated for this award by Family and Children’s Services Niagara, Mountainview's dedication to making a positive impact on Niagara’s community fabric is evident. Anna Bozza, CEO of FACS Niagara, has said, “At any one time, FACS provides more than 700 families with ongoing services and support. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children we work with as they get to experience everything summer camp has to offer is inspiring.”

LemonAID Day is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt community-driven endeavour. Local families and businesses rally together to host lemonade stands, with 100 per cent of proceeds channelled towards providing enriching summer camp experiences for children under the care of FACS. Through this initiative, Mountainview has ensured that children, who might otherwise miss out, get to enjoy the joys of summer camp - learning, playing, and forging lifelong friendships.

Last year’s event was a resounding success, with over 100 families participating and raising an impressive $100,000 that funded more than 500 weeks of camp for local children. The event’s inaugural year saw $85,000 raised.

The upcoming LemonAID Day on June 8 promises to be another memorable event, with Mountainview once again providing teams with everything needed to run the stand, including lemonade concentrate, pitchers, cups, directional signs, instructions, t-shirts and hats, and a stand to be assembled on a four to six-foot table. All teams are encouraged to make their stands unique, from choosing a team name to decorating the stand itself. As in the first two years, 100% of donations raised will directly towards sending vulnerable kids to summer camp.

Whether you're an individual, family, business, or organization, there's a place for everyone to contribute and make a difference. To register for LemonAID Day on June 8 or to learn more, visit facsniagarafoundation.org/mountainviewlemonaidday/.

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Over the years, Mountainview has supported numerous charitable organizations, including the Niagara Health Foundation, Niagara College, Thorold Community Care, McMaster SickKids, The Pathstone Foundation, and the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre. They are also celebrated as a founding donor for their $3M donation to the South Niagara Site of Niagara Health. In 2019, Mountainview received the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Outstanding Corporation Award for their exceptional financial support, community involvement, and philanthropic leadership roles.