Aaron Young and 100 Men of Kawartha Lakes: local giving, shared impact

Illustrative photo: Aivars Vilks / Unsplash

Local connections extend beyond property boundaries. In Kawartha Lakes, Aaron Young’s involvement in helping establish 100 Men of Kawartha Lakes is part of a shared story of neighbours coming together to support charitable work close to home.

How the local group began

In 2018, Richard Gauder, John Richardson and Aaron Young helped bring a local 100 Men group together. The organization’s published history records its first meeting on March 13, 2018, and describes how the three connected with people interested in giving back. Aaron’s North Realty biography also identifies him as a founding member.

The starting point was straightforward: bring people together, learn about local needs and combine individual contributions. Building that first circle of participants helped turn an idea into a way for neighbours to take part.

A straightforward model for collective giving

Members gather quarterly, hear from local charities and vote on where the group’s giving will be directed. Members can also nominate eligible local charities for consideration. It is a format that brings the people supporting a cause closer to the people explaining its work.

For someone who wants to contribute but is unsure where to begin, a shared format can make the first step feel more approachable. It creates an opportunity to listen, ask questions and discover organizations working nearby.

The organization’s website is the best place to check current membership details, contribution arrangements and upcoming meetings.

A connection to the place behind the property

When people think about a community, they often picture its streets, storefronts and gathering spaces. Just as important are the relationships and local organizations that give those places meaning.

For visitors getting to know Aaron, his founding involvement offers a view of his connection to Kawartha Lakes beyond a property search. It is one part of the broader background he brings to conversations with local owners, businesses and people considering their next move.

A thriving community is not the responsibility of any one group. There are many ways to participate, from volunteering time to learning about a nearby charity. The useful starting point is finding a contribution that fits your interests and capacity.

Getting involved

Start by reading how the group works and considering whether its approach suits the time and support you can offer. Its volunteers can explain participation and point you toward the current membership process.

You do not need a property transaction underway to take that first step. A conversation with a local organization can be worthwhile in its own right.

For donations, membership and charity nominations, use the independent organization’s website. For commercial property, land or development questions, Aaron can be reached through The North Realty.