Community Matters to Gerard Buckley, a Licensed
Mortgage Broker at Mortgage Wellness
Since making Georgian Bay and Huron Shores their home, Gerard Buckley and his spouse
Mary MacDonald of Mortgage Wellness and Jaguar Capital have made community involvement
and development a top priority. They put their focus toward youth programs targeting our future
leaders — no matter what their current living situation may be. Gerard and Mary strongly believe
that by supporting these causes, both financially and personally, the development of a thriving
community is both the objective and result.
Bringing Parties to Children without Discrimination
For many families in the Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Midland area, throwing a party for a
child is simply not in the budget. The fact is that families in poverty cannot afford this childhood
tradition and do not have the space to host such an event. Up to the ages of 4 or 5, children do
not understand poverty unless there is abuse within the family. After a child starts attending
school it is through this socialization that they being to understand the meaning of poverty
though such activities as play dates and birthday parties with other children. It is at this time
they realize they either are not permitted to attend such events, or they are not able to
reciprocate for such events with their school mates. This is how they realize something is
different in their home.
Gerard and Mary believe no child should have to feel stigmatized due to their living conditions or
financial state. That is why they have paired with the YMCA, where Mary has been a member
for over 35 years, to make sure all kids get a birthday party to remember.
Families with eligible children between 5 and 12 years of age are able to apply through the Y’s
financial fee assistance program. Those that qualify may hold a birthday party with either a gym
or pool theme, also gaining access to the party room. Cake, food and decorations are provided
to enrich the whole memory-making etc. All expenses are graciously covered by The Buckley
MacDonald Youth Fund — an arrangement that many families are astonished exists. They are
moved with gratitude that this enables them to provide this traditional experience to their
children.
In addition, Gerard and Mary have funded the Inclusive Halloween Party at Collingwood’s
YMCA in cooperation with CTN, Children’s Treatment Network for children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder, Downs Syndrome, and many other genetic and behaviourally challenged
abilities. It is their goal that all children — no matter their condition or financial circumstances —
get to experience the joy of celebrating together.
Paving the Way for Cadet Programs
A project close to Gerard’s heart is the Cadet Program in Canada through the Army Cadet
League of Canada; an organization that helps raise funding for local cadet corps in over 1,100
communities in Canada. Far from military training, these programs focus on leadership, band, citizenship, and other valuable life skills, being offered on a weekly basis during the school year
and during the summer in a camp setting.
Not only is Gerard a long-time active board member for the Army Cadet League, but he
provides four $3000 grants annually to the program.
Recently, due to funding relinquishments because of COVID-19, a $5000 scholarship offered by
the Office was in jeopardy. Gerard and Mary rose to the occasion and honoured the
scholarship, guaranteeing that these young people did not lose out on even more than they
already have during the 2020 school year.
Fundraising opportunities are often limited for the Cadet Program in many remote communities
in Canada, so support from businesses like Gerard’s Mortgage Brokerage business is vital for
them to continue to engage our up-and-coming generations. Furthermore, the cadet program in
Canada touches some 70,000 youth between 12 and 19 annually and Developing Scholars
provides educational scholarships to 70 plus young people in Guatemala. To find out how you
can help, visit www.armycadetleague.ca.
Helping the Kids of Collingwood Stay Off the Streets
Investing in our youth and community is highlighted by Gerard’s continued support for The
Barbara Weider House — a Home Horizon project that not only houses 7-10 homeless
individuals between 15 – 24 years of age but also assists more than 50 local youth with
programs. Since moving to the Collingwood area from the GTA, Gerard and his wife Mary have
been passionate regarding their help supporting, planning and attending regular and virtual
events to help raise funds for The Barbra Weider House.
Home Horizons makes it their goal to help local youth become strong contributors in the
community while also guiding them to discover career paths into promising sectors. To continue
their efforts, this not-for-profit organization depends on invested businesses like Gerard’s
Mortgage Brokerage business Mortgage Wellness in Georgian Bay to sponsor events and raise
awareness for the needs of every part of our community. To find out how you can help, visit
www.homehorizons.ca.
Support for an Extraordinary Endeavour for Charity
Sometimes a very special person takes on a great feat in the name of helping others. For Linda
Murphy, a local Real Estate Sales Representative, her dream of trekking from the Mexican
border up to the Canadian border (a five-month hike) to raise money for charity became a reality
with the help of Gerard. The charity, My Friends House — an organization that runs programs
and shelters for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
The project was called Hiking Home for Shelter by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
Gerard’s Mortgage Brokerage Business, The Buckley Mortgage Team at Mortgage Wellness in
Huron Shores and Georgian Bay was the primary business sponsor throughout the endeavour,
with Gerard assisting in fundraising, planning, flights and even a “Welcome Home” party at the
Legion upon Linda’s completion of her journey. Linda went on to note that Gerard’s loyalty and
belief in the project from start to finish raised the bar beyond what she had ever hoped to
accomplish and enriched the overall experience.
Her efforts brought $35,000 to the hands of women and children that rely on safe havens. To learn more about this incredible accomplishment, visit tinyurl.com/hikinghomeforshelter or to find out how you can help the
victims of domestic violence or head to myfriendshouse.ca.
Other worthwhile causes that Gerard and Mary have supported include Saugeen Memorial
Hospital, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program,
Theatre Collingwood, Ride for the Cure and The Blue Mountain Village Foundation.
Gerard is active with and on the Board of Directors of The Army Cadet League of Canada,
Developing Scholars and The Blue Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Get in Contact with Gerard
At Mortgage Wellness and Jaguar Capital, investing back into our community is an integral part
of our workplace. We hope you are inspired to dive into our rich community and find new ways
to enrich the lives of others. For assistance with mortgages, home loans and other real estate
investments, contact Better Business Bureau A+ rated Gerard Buckley of Mortgage Wellness and become a part of something bigger.
