There’s no question, real estate is competitive. But when it comes to raising money for the homeless, the lines of competition are removed. Each year, the crew from the London and St. Thomas Real Estate Board arrange a bonspiel for Mission Services.
Usually Glen Gordon, of Glen Gordon Real Estate Inc., is at the helm of the organization committee. This year, Ken Harper, of Classic Real Estate London Ltd., assumed the role of acting chairperson, while Glen healed from a serious skiing accident. Even with the uncomfortable casting, Glen made an appearance at the bonspiel last weekend.
Ken, a curling enthusiast, said the bonspiel was more of a funspiel because many participate to support the cause rather than to seriously compete. Even with the fun atmosphere, though, there has to be a winner and taking the top spot for the team competition at the Ilderton Curling Club were Don Barrett, Shirley Harmer, Steve Hadskis and Adriaan Capel.
With the addition of this year’s fundraising total, which tops $8,700, the bonspiel has raised almost $60,000 for Mission Services in the last 10 years. In large part that is due to the sponsors.
Stepping up to the plate — or in this case up to the hack — were Sid Kemp, of Scotiabank; Jack Judd, of Executive Travel; Ollie Hiemstra, of London Home Inspection; Gerry Weir, of Sutton Group Preferred Realty; Ken Bidner, of TD Canada Trust; Stewart Thomson, of Thomson Mahoney Dobson Delorey; and John White, of Winmar.
