The entrance to Pathstone’s new Natural Playground and Healing Garden.
One of Niagara’s most recognized and successful homebuilders, Mountainview Homes, was recently named Outstanding Corporation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for their philanthropic endeavours. This award is presented annually to a company that has demonstrated outstanding financial support, community involvement and motivation of others to take leadership roles.
Never an organization to rest on its laurels, Mountainview celebrated their award by continuing their giving ways. This week they made a lead gift of $450,000 to Pathstone Foundation in support of their Natural Playground and Healing Garden, a 10,000 square foot outdoor space that will be built at the Branscombe Mental Health Centre in St. Catharines.
“We are thrilled to be part of this project. Not only is it leading edge in Canada, but it definitely will make a very positive difference in the lives of young people dealing with mental health issues,” said Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Homes.
Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR at Pathstone said that Basciano expressed excitement for this project from their first conversation. “Because of this extremely generous gift, we are able to start construction next month on what will be the first Natural Playground & Healing Garden built at a children’s mental health facility in Canada. This outdoor space will soon become a favourite spot for our young clients who are coping with mental health issues through therapy at Pathstone,” Rossi explained.
According to Pathstone’s CEO, Shaun Baylis, research has long supported that time spent in a natural environment is calming, reduces feelings of stress, fear, anger and aggression and improves functionality, focus and self-esteem for young people dealing with mental health issues. “We are so grateful to Mark and Mountainview for their generosity and display of such strong community spirit,” said Baylis.
“At the end of the day it’s not about what we have or what we have accomplished, it’s about what we have given back; it’s about making a difference for someone else, who we help, and who we make better,” Basciano said.
Kevin has spent over two decades as a public relations professional in a variety of sectors including professional sports, the arts, industry and healthcare. After tiring of the daily commute to Toronto he returned to Niagara and launched The Niagara Independent, an online news source published twice weekly.
He is a graduate of Brock University, Niagara College and the Richard Ivey School of Business. He was named one of Niagara’s 40 Under Forty in 2005.
Kevin is most proud of his twin daughters. He is also a triathlete and four-time Ironman finisher.
