The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) presented its second annual Volunteer Award on April 24, 2013, to a woman who has dedicated over 10 years to improving the quality of life of children in Selkirk, Manitoba. MREA President Brian Canart presented the MREA Quality of Life Award to Beverley J. Beck in front of 700 attendees, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the Premier and the Mayor at the 30th Annual Volunteer Manitoba Awards.
Canart presented the award along with a $2,500 cheque to be given to Beverley’s charity of choice – Nova House Inc. Beck was recognized for her exceptional work with children in the “Mentor for Moms” program at Nova House.
In this role, Bev visits with and supports women and their children after they have left Nova House, an emergency shelter for victims of family violence. Her relationship with these families has had a huge impact in their success in living independently and violence-free. Bev is known as “grandma” by many of the children and they all love her and her visits.
When Bev sees a family at risk she has been instrumental in getting them back into counselling, making referrals to other programs, accompanying parents to support groups if needed and most of all, being a mentor, role model and surrogate grandma for single-parent families. Bev continues to have contact with families even after their official partnership is over and has become a friend to many former clients, encouraging and supporting them as they re-establish their children in a violence-free lifestyle.
The MREA Quality of Life Award, created by REALTORS® in Manitoba, recognizes volunteers who are deeply committed to improving the lives of Manitoba children – our future. This award is granted to an individual or group of individuals at the Volunteer Manitoba Annual Awards Dinner and includes a $2,500 cash award to be given to the award recipient’s charity of choice.
Top photo: Beverley Beck and Brian Canart, MREA President
