Schickedanz Gives Back

In a year that was highlighted by builders giving back to their communities during trying times, one donation that stood out in 2020 was that of Daniel Schickedanz.

“In appreciation for all the blessings this great country has bestowed upon him and our family, my father made a $1 million donation to the Canada Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), specifically to help and support refugees immigrating to Canada,” relates Daniel’s son, Ontario Home Builders’ Association President Bob Schickedanz. “The ongoing work of CLWR continues to provide lifealtering assistance to refugees around the world.”

Now age 92, the young Schickedanz first set foot in Toronto on August 18, 1950, with just a suitcase in hand. Born in Lithuania in 1928, he was a refugee of World War II in search of a new life. Under the auspices of Canada Lutheran World Relief, Daniel travelled from Bremen, Germany to Toronto (via Quebec City), onboard the MV Beaverbrae. The assistance of CLWR required a promissory note to pay back the fare. He worked to repay his passage at a Mennonite dairy farm in Kitchener. After nine months, having completed his commitments, he moved to Toronto to join other family members.

Upon his arrival in Toronto, Daniel and his three cousins founded Schickedanz Brothers Ltd., a company of builders and developers. The company was instrumental in the creation of numerous neighbourhoods in the suburbs of Toronto and beyond.