On September 19, 2013, representatives of the Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® (ASR) were delighted to attend the grand opening of the Boys and Girls Club’s new centre in North Battleford. The ASR contributed funds towards the construction of a larger and more suitable centre for the local group through their Quality of Life in Saskatchewan initiative, the Quality of Life Legacy Fund.
REALTORS® Joanne Kerr, Chair of the ASR’s Quality of Life in Saskatchewan committee and Al White, ASR Past President and North Battleford resident, were on hand to visit the new centre and thank the local volunteers and staff for their invaluable work in the community. “It is because of individuals such as the group at the Boys and Girls Club that we have a stronger community here in North Battleford,” comments White, “and if we can bring them a bit of support so that they can continue with the excellent work they do, we want them to know we’re here to recognize that.”
The Quality of Life Legacy initiative awards grants of $5,000 to six community organizations from different regions of the province on an annual basis. The initiative promotes the following principles:
- Support shelter-related services in our communities;
- Enhance environmental sustainability, protection and/or conservation of our natural areas;
- Support public education on the importance of private property rights;
- Promote safer neighbourhoods and/or improved community services;
- Enhance and promote community development and better opportunities for “at risk” populations and/or disadvantaged citizens.
“The funds are raised by REALTORS® working together and the selection of recipients is also a process involving local REALTORS®” explains Kerr. “It’s important to involve local REALTORS® in this process as they are involved in their communities and know its strengths and its people best.” Managed with the local expertise of the Saskatoon Community Foundation, 2013 was the first year for the delivery of the grants.
Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, Sheri Wooldridge, was also appreciative of the support for local REALTORS®: “Organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club cannot experience the success we are seeing today through the construction of this new center without the support of community members such as our local REALTORS® – thank you!” The Boys and Girls Club has been operating in North Battleford since 1976 and is a cornerstone in the community’s development in terms of support and guidance.
The Legacy Grant Program will be receiving applications again in early 2014. More information can be found here and updates will also be distributed through the ASR’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Any charitable organization in Saskatchewan supporting the Quality of Life in Saskatchewan’s principles listed above will be encouraged to apply.
