REALTORS® in British Columbia continue to help out their communities as wildfires burn across the province.
The real estate boards and associations of British Columbia have donated more than $80,000 to the Red Cross, including one commercial member who donated $10,000 to the B.C. Fires Appeal.
That’s on top of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s (REBGV) own fundraising efforts that have raised an additional $33,000. Add the $53,000 – and counting – raised as part of REALTORS Care® encouraging members across the country to donate, and so far more than $154,000 has been raised to help victims of the fire.
“The people in the affected communities are in need and it’s important that we all do what we can to help,” said Jill Oudil, President of the REBGV. “It’s great to see our communities come together during this time. I’ve heard from REALTORS®, and real estate boards, across the country who are contributing money and fundraising. I encourage everyone to continue this work to support our fellow British Columbians.”
The donations are helping people impacted by the fires by providing cots, blankets, family reunification, and financial assistance for food, clothing and other personal items.
The wildfires in British Columbia have destroyed more than 300 buildings, including 71 homes, since April and have burned more than 6,060 square kilometers in the province, according to Emergency Management BC.
REALTORS® are continuing to raise money by organizing fundraising events across the province. In Vancouver alone, REALTORS® have held fundraising events in North Vancouver, Richmond, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, and Vancouver over the last month.
“The work we’ve done so far is a great start, but there’s more to do. People are still in need and we’re continuing to urge our REALTOR® members, and all British Columbians, to do what they can to help,” Oudil said.
