Financial contributions from the REALTORS® of Greater Vancouver over the past year have netted $41,102 for three housing-related charities in the region. The Lookout Emergency Aid Society in North Vancouver, Monarch Place in New Westminster, and Munroe House in Vancouver were the charities of choice for this year’s REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive program.
“These housing charities work with limited funds, yet they continue to have success in helping vulnerable people move forward with their lives,” said Eugen Klein, President of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).
More than $105,000 has been raised for housing-related charities since the Shelter Drive began three years ago. This year’s total exceeds last year’s contributions by more than $6,000. The Shelter Drive is a program developed by the more than 10,000 REALTOR® members of the REBGV. Each year, funds are raised at REALTOR® events such as golf tournaments and Christmas parties. The REBGV has also partnered with Teldon Print Media, the BC Lions, and the organizers of the annual home show to create innovative ways to generate funds for the Shelter Drive.
How donations will be used
The Lookout Emergency Aid Society helps the homeless get off the streets and access services they need to improve their lives. The Lookout Society will use its donation to rebuild two handicapped showers within its facilities.
Monarch Place is a transition house that offers help and support to women and children fleeing domestic violence. Its funds will go toward a full-time mobile outreach program that provides supportive services for women and children.
Munroe House is a second stage transition house that provides supportive housing and programs for women and children who have experienced abuse. The donation to Munroe House will help fund a program that assists women develop long-termplans for their economic and personal independence.
The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive was created in 2009. Each year it supports up to three housing-related charities within Greater Vancouver.
Pictured (left to right): Carsten Love, BNT Division Vice President; Vanessa Wellington-Clark, Munroe House, Vancouver; Roshni Gleitman, Monarch Place, New Westminster; Eugen Klein, REBGV President; Karen Young, Lookout Emergency Aid Society, North Vancouver; Dan Morrison, NSS Division President. (Missing: Ilan Heller, Westside Division President.)
