Community Experience 
Driving can cause you to miss out on experiencing all your community has to offer.  Strolling through the streets of your neighbourhood offers a more complete perspective as you discover shops and people you might not have had the opportunity to encounter from behind the wheel.  

The Walk to Wellness
According to Time Magazine article “10 Things Your Commute Does to Your Body”, a daily drive commute to and from work “impacts your mental and physical health” and is associated with increased cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure which over time can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke.  Not to mention the toll it takes on your mental health, according to report from the U.K.’s Office of National statistics fighting traffic on a regular basis increases anxiety, puts you a risk for depression and actually declines “happiness and life satisfaction”.   In case you needed any more incentive to re-think a car commute, according to a 2014 study from McGill University, commuters who walk to work tend to be happier overall compared with those who have a lengthy commute. 

Cost vs. Car Share
A major bonus in forgoing a vehicle is saving on all the costs associated with regular maintenance, fuel, insurance, license, registration and parking.  According to the CAA car ownership is the second largest expense after housing for Canadians. On average, including depreciation, owning a vehicle in Canada costs approximately $9,500 annually.   Many would argue that the convenience of having a car is well worth the price tag, yet car sharing services like Modo are a more cost-effective option for those times when you just really need a vehicle.  Unlike traditional car rental companies, Modo bills by the hour or with a full day rate of $50 which is inclusive of gas, insurance and maintenance.  With the flexibility to book on the fly, residents in our Novare, Glenmore Central and Lynncreek Apartments have added incentive with Modo car share services located right on site.   

Central living maybe more costly rent wise but in a vibrant community close to major amenities, you have the luxury of living “car free” without the added stress and expense of owning a vehicle.  “Car free” may become the new “carefree”, healthier approach to urban life.  

The post “Car Free” – The Carefree Approach to Urban Living appeared first on Realstar Blog.

According to Feed Ontario, donations typically decline once the weather gets warmer because it isn’t “top of mind for most people”.  Although food banks work to meet the demands of “summer hunger”, “its existence highlights significant cracks in how our system address[es] child food insecurity.” 

In addition to asking farmers and food companies to step up their contributions,  food banks heavily rely on organized fundraisers like Spring Hope Food Drive during leaner months.  Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary,  Spring Hope targets residential rental properties by canvassing door to door one evening in April for donations that supply food banks within the local community.
   
In association with the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) and the Greater Toronto Apartment Association (GTAA), Realstar has been actively supporting this vital community initiative since the beginning.   This year 80 of our properties across Ontario, as well as our Head Office, participated in collecting much needed items like baby food and formula to give back to the local communities in which we live and work.  Of course, none of which would be possible without the generosity of our residents, on-site management and staff.

While summer isn’t the season most associate with giving, for food banks it is high on the list. As you’re easing in to carefree days of summer sun,  supporting those in need couldn’t be easier by making a online cash contribution at Spring Hope’s donation page for local food banks. 

The post Spring Hope Food Drive – Working to Ease Summer Hunger for Ontario Families appeared first on Realstar Blog.