Dunpar Homes believes that building communities goes beyond the construction of houses. It’s about investing in young people, supporting families, and fostering opportunities for the next generation to succeed. That commitment took on a unique form—through the challenge and excitement of climbing.
This summer, Dunpar President John Zanini brought his love of rock climbing to local youth. Sponsored by the John Zanini Foundation, children aged 8 to 11 from single-parent households at LAMP Community Health Centre had the opportunity to learn climbing at Boulderz Climbing Centre in Etobicoke. The program ran every Monday afternoon throughout July and August, welcoming over 30 children. More than just a fun activity, the program emphasized teamwork, confidence, and leadership—skills that will help these young participants grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
And to extend the sense of community beyond the climbing wall, each session concluded with a healthy dinner catered by Il Fornello of Sherwood Village Mall and sponsored by Dunpar Homes, providing a complete experience of activity, nourishment, and connection.
Climbing as a Path to Growth
The climbing wall is more than a recreational outlet. For many children, it’s a metaphor for life: challenging, at times daunting, but always rewarding when persistence pays off. Through the support of Dunpar Homes and the John Zanini Foundation, these young participants are learning to push past fear, trust themselves, and rely on teamwork.
“On behalf of the LAMP Community Health Centre Youth programs, I would like to thank Dunpar Homes and the John Zanini Foundation for providing this opportunity for our youth participants to learn and participate in rock climbing at Boulderz Etobicoke climbing centre,” said Linda Frempong, youth programs manager, LAMP CHC. “Our youth truly enjoyed this new experience where they were able to build their physical skills while also supporting their peers to meet the challenge of climbing.”
Founder John Zanini, being an avid climber himself, envisioned this initiative as a way to share his passion for the sport with children in the neighbourhood.
“Having lived and worked in this community throughout my life, I wanted to share something that has played an important role over the years,” said Zanini. “Rock climbing has taught me so much about character development and collaboration, that I wanted to share it with young people who might not otherwise have an opportunity to climb. It teaches them that obstacles can be overcome one step at a time, and I am delighted to see so many children trying it and learning to climb mountains!”