The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board raised a record of more than $7,000 in less than two hours at its fifth annual charity luncheon held in December. The Women’s Shelter of Kelowna and the Silk Rainbow of Opportunities are the charities that will benefit from the fundraiser. Members of the Real Estate Board chose those charities after reviewing a number of proposals.
Barrett Watson, the executive of the Board’s charity division, said its contribution gives the charities added financial security because they can count on money coming from groups like the Real Estate Board.
“We look to stay long term with these charities,” said Watson. “They come to rely on our support and they can include it in their respective budgets.” Local businesses around Kelowna donate time and money to the event so Watson said the money raised directly benefits the public. “One hundred per cent of the money raised goes to the charities,” he said. “It’s put back into the community.”
Watson added that the REALTORS® of Kelowna want to give back to their community and that holding the annual event is a gesture of his colleagues’ appreciation.
“Kelowna REALTORS® are grateful for what support they’ve received from this area,” he said. “We want the public to see that we’re giving back to the community that gives to us.”
