The Downtown Mission is $50,000 closer to its $1-million goal thanks to a donation from the Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation.
"We saw the need and we came forward because we believe in the strength of our people and our community," says Bianca DeLuca with the foundation.
The donation will go toward the community challenge that philanthropist Al Quesnel issued. He is matching all donations for the Wellness Centre until October 31 up to $1-million,
Downtown Mission CEO Ron Dunn says all of the money will go to enhancing programs at the Wellness Centre including the addition of a dental clinic.
"We don't have any dental care for folks living in poverty in Essex County. It's that simple. And we know the importance of dental health care and how it's linked to overall health care," says Dunn.
He says they can't thank the foundation enough for the large donation. So far $450,000 has been raised toward the $1-million goal.