Coun. Jay Fallis, along with some family members, was helping to move some chairs into the United Church at Bond Head when he had an epiphany of sorts.
The church had decided to demolish a small office building on its property. Fallis suggested moving it to Orillia and using it as a 'tiny home' to help with the affordable housing crisis.
After much consideration, church members decided to auction off the building and donate the proceeds to Hillcrest Lodge, a non government-funded seniors facility on Matchedash Street North in Orillia.
On Friday, officials from the church in Bond Head presented a cheque for $2,025 to the lodge.
The church's minister, Patti Rodgers, with members of the church, alongside Coun. Fallis, were on hand to deliver the cheque, which was welcomed by officials from Hillcrest Lodge.
Rodgers said she and other church officials consider affordable housing to be a "great value" in the community and she said she was confident the money would be put to good use in Orillia.
Mike Jones, past president of Hillcrest Lodge, thanked the United Church and supporters for their efforts. He remarked that as a charitable organization, Hillcrest Lodge is completely self-sufficient. Thus, a donation of any amount is meaningful.
Hillcrest Lodge has 30 units, mainly of bachelor size. Terry Watson, a current board member, and Jones discussed the opportunity to provide residence to a married couple or to siblings in one of three two-bedroom units. They are currently planning around this.
Jones said the donation will likely be used to address plumbing issues. As noted by Watson, the building is aging and requires necessary maintenance.
A number of residents who have lived at Hillcrest for over a decade, seemed happy to hear how the money would be spent. Those who gathered over coffee to acknowledge the financial gift did so with appreciation.
