Since starting in 1987, CREB® Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $5 million to important shelter and community enhancement-related charities in Calgary and area.
“Our REALTORS® are passionate about giving back to the community,” says Aneve MacKay-Lyons, coordinator of CREB® Charitable Foundation. “The Foundation is active throughout the year with fundraising activities and organizes volunteer events whenever possible to help out important community charities.”
Besides distributing grants through a fund allocation task force, the Foundation’s Investing in Hope program actively engages REALTORS® in nominating and voting for their favourite non-profit organizations to receive funding.
In 2013, the Investing in Hope program distributed 15 grants of $10,000 to the top charities its members voted for online. The winning charities included: Aspen Family and Community Network Society, Accessible Housing Society, Brown Bagging For Calgary Street Kids Society, Calgary Meals on Wheels, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Cornerstone Youth Centre (Calgary) Society, For the Love of Children Society of Alberta, Inn from the Cold, Kerby Assembly (Kerby Centre), North Rocky View Community Links Society, Rowan House Society , Royal Canadian Legion Branch Poppy Fund, Saint Jude’s Health Management Institute, Special Olympics Calgary and The PREP Program.
Last year, CREB® Charitable Foundation also helped the Children’s Cottage Society renovate its backyard after it was damaged by flooding in southern Alberta. Volunteers eagerly rolled up their shirt sleeves to help tear it down, making way for the construction of a new playground.
“It’s important to stay connected with all of the great charities our members care about,” adds MacKay-Lyons. “We are honoured to support the important work they do in our communities and look forward to building on our charitable programs in the year ahead.”
To view a video about CREB® Charitable Foundation’s Investing in Hope program, click here.
Top photo: CREB® Charitable Foundation volunteers ready with their hard hats to help with the Children’s Cottage Society’s backyard renovation project.
