New Year’s resolutions at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty in Victoria once again include supporting the Adopt-a-School program. Each REALTOR® makes a monthly contribution to the fund, which benefits one local school each year. In 2014, Cloverdale Elementary received $5,000. REALTOR® Deborah Farley is pleased to announce that the eighth recipient in their charitable program will be Colwood Elementary in 2015. The selection process prioritizes schools in less prosperous neighbourhoods, where families can afford fewer extracurricular activities and children rely on school facilities.
“Colwood Elementary plans to use the funds for extended picnic tables that are wheelchair accessible,” notes Deborah, a founding member of the Adopt-a-School organizing committee. “To date, we have donated $37,000 to seven schools. Our donations have funded playground equipment, permanent picnic tables, sports facilities such as a ball wall, etc. The money is always used to enhance the lives of students. We hope to reach our $50,000 milestone in 2016.”
Along with consistent donations by REALTORS® in the office, an organizing committee manages the program, including sending out letters, collecting funds and making presentations. Deborah has been involved since the beginning along with Julie Demelo. The newest committee members are Wendy Thompson and Danielle Moreau.
The program began very organically. “One night, several years ago, our office raised $7,000 for a family with three children,” says Deborah. “The father left just before Christmas. They had no money for rent, food, hydro bills or Christmas gifts for the kids. The mother had nothing. We paid their utility bills and two months rent. We also gave the mother gift certificates to buy groceries and Christmas gifts for the kids. It got us thinking about how many people are in need and how we could make a difference. My daughter suggested we go directly to the schools to see what we could contribute.”
As a result, Sutton Group – West Coast Realty established the Adopt-a-School program. Each spring, the committee invites schools to apply to the program; then, over the course of the year, REALTORS® donate $5 to $50 per month. By the following spring, the office has raised thousands of dollars for their selected school.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
