During the first-ever national REALTORS Care® Week, which took place November 18-22, 2019, REALTORS® in communities across Canada hosted collection drives to share the comfort of home through support of local shelter-related charities. Three examples could be found in Fredericton, New Brunswick; Woodstock and Ingersoll, Ontario; Brandon, Manitoba; and the surrounding areas.
In New Brunswick, The Real Estate Board of the Fredericton Area, Inc. launched a new “Collect for the Cold” campaign. The board put out the call for warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves to be collected for three local shelters and two food banks, in anticipation of the colder months ahead. REALTORS® from six brokerages participated, with additional support from a local home inspector and members of the public.
Amy Vernall of Century 21 All Seasons Realty brought the idea back to her community of Woodstock, New Brunswick. She and fellow REALTOR® Linda Currie personally delivered two totes, a cardboard box and three garbage bags full of coats and winter accessories to their local valley food bank following REALTORS Care® Week. “Knowing our community has made a positive impact directly on other members of our community is something truly great,” shared Amy.
In Ontario, the Woodstock-Ingersoll & District Real Estate Board (WIDREB) hosted their 5th Annual REALTORS® Conquer the Cold Drive, in support of The INN of Woodstock and the Ingersoll & District Inter-church. The board encouraged fun-spirited competition amongst their member brokerages.
The REALTORS® were up to the challenge. They raised $5,108 in cash and cheque donations, gift cards totaling $655, 3,759 pairs of socks, more than 770 personal hygiene items, 72 pairs of warm mitts and gloves, 18 warm hats, 13 scarves, and 11 pairs of slippers.
“I am very proud of our members and the support they give to this amazing event, which continues to be a great success every year,” commented WIDREB President Neil Krushel.
In Manitoba, Brandon Area REALTORS® held their second annual REALTOR® Care-a-Van drive. REALTORS® from six local brokerages rallied together to literally fill their local board’s boardroom table with household items, toiletries, toys, and clothing donations. They also collected approximately $400 in cash and gift cards. These donations were then distributed to Samaritan House, the YWCA Women’s Shelter, Meredith House, and the Bear Clan, all local shelter-related charities.
“We are a small community, but the need for shelters and related charitable support is very real and at a short fall,” shared Jen Pearson, Executive Officer of Brandon Area REALTORS®. “The REALTOR® Care-a-Van is a small but effective way to support our community and its needs. It’s a fun way to get together as a REALTOR® group and make a difference!”
