Thanks to Shelley Porritt, Broker/Owner of Etobicoke-based Royal LePage Porritt Real Estate, Brokerage, and an army of over 600 volunteers, more than 1,800 gift baskets have been delivered to women’s shelters across the GTA, just in time for the holidays.
After helping with a fundraiser for a local shelter, Shelley started thinking about the women in that shelter and how difficult the holiday season must be for them. “So I tried to come up with a way to acknowledge them and give them a little something, to let them know that someone cares,” she explains.
In December 2000, she invited some of her family and friends over to her home and asked them to bring along some empty baskets, new cosmetics, bath items, and hair care products. That evening, they prepared 25 gift baskets for a local shelter in their neighbourhood and started a tradition of giving that is now 12-years strong: the Annual Gift Basket Drive.
It’s a campaign that started in Shelley’s basement and has now grown to occupy a warehouse. Volunteers, including some previous gift basket recipients, devote countless hours to sorting, packaging, and wrapping the baskets, all in the name of making the holiday season a bit brighter at women’s shelters in their community.
“The most rewarding part of the drive each year is realizing how many generous people are out there,” says Shelley. “I am amazed each year how much our basket drive has grown and how many people invest their time and even money to help out. There are so many dedicated volunteers who come back year after year to be a part of this. It is truly amazing to see.”
For other REALTORS® interested in starting up their own charitable initiative, Shelley has the following advice:
No Idea is Too Small
“Start small. Good things will automatically grow in time. All you need is someone to take charge and organize the event and people will come. There are so many good people out there wanting to do good work, they just need someone to take the lead and you’ll be amazed with the support that you will receive. Just do it! ”
Focus on One Group or Organization
“There are so many people that need help in each city and it is hard to help all, so I recommend picking a group or organization and focus on them. It could be youth, women, seniors, men, children, or someone with special needs, and figuring out what they need and creating a project or fundraiser to achieve that goal.”
Protect Yourself and Your Volunteers
“Get legal advice if necessary. If you deal with money, should you register yourself as a charity and do you need waivers signed or insurance? Even though you are doing good work, you also need to seek advice and protect yourself and the volunteers so they can continue to do good work.”
Spread the Good News
“Spread the news by starting a website, a Facebook Page, email, and get local media around. Also you can’t be afraid to ask for help or donations.”
