Bolton Tea Party Raises Funds for Accessible Housing

A cozy tea party in Bolton, Ontario just proved that small gatherings can make a big difference for people who need it most.

On September 12, CAFFI Housing hosted their first Harvest High Tea Fundraiser at the Bolton Seniors Centre, welcoming nearly 80 guests for an afternoon of refreshments and community connection. Every dollar raised will help make rent and living expenses more affordable for residents in their inclusive housing program.

Patricia Franks started CAFFI Housing in 2012 with a clear mission: create housing where adults with disabilities can live independently. The organization's first home is a 900-square-foot rental property with a wheelchair-accessible main floor, featuring shared common spaces and three private bedrooms.

Her daughter Gabi has lived there for six years and couldn't be happier. "I'm independent and I really like it that way," she says, eager to tell anyone who asks about her home.

The pilot program has been so successful that CAFFI is now meeting with town officials to find locations for additional housing. More homes mean more adults with disabilities can experience the independence Gabi enjoys every day.

The Ripple Effect

The fundraiser's success shows what happens when a community rallies around a cause that matters. Guests purchased raffle tickets for prizes ranging from spa packages to air fryers, but the star attraction was a Cobs bread basket filled with pastries and baked goods.

Julia Haugh Guzzo won the coveted basket and celebrated her good fortune. "I buy Cobs bread occasionally but not every week so I'm very happy," she said.

Beyond the raffles and tea, the event gave CAFFI Housing something even more valuable: proof that the community supports their work. Franks has tried different fundraising approaches over the years, searching for what resonates with donors.

This tea party hit the mark. "This event was successful," Franks reflected. "This might be an event that we would repeat again."

The afternoon wasn't just about raising money but raising awareness about the housing gap facing adults with disabilities who want to live independently yet affordably.

As CAFFI Housing looks toward opening more homes, they're building on a foundation that started with one family's vision and grew into a community movement, one cup of tea at a time.