A YWCA, a hospice and a therapy dog program are among some of the organizations benefiting from a funding boost thanks to Saskatchewan REALTORS®.
The Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® (ASR) presented $5,000 grants to six deserving charities across the province at their annual general meeting, held in Saskatoon on April 28.
Each year the Quality of Life Legacy Fund provides grants to six charitable organizations in Saskatchewan, an initiative supported by REALTORS® throughout the province.
“With an ever-increasing number of grant applications – this year we received nearly twice as many as last year – it is a challenge to select only six,” said Shelby Wilk, Chair of the ASR Quality of Life committee. “But it also exemplifies the need that’s out there. We’re happy to be able to support these great community organizations that enhance the quality of life in our province, each and every day.”
The Quality of Life Legacy Fund serves as just one more way for Saskatchewan REALTORS® to give back to their communities, said Bill Madder, CEO of the ASR.
“Our annual fundraiser helps to ensure we are able to continue this great initiative,” he said. “This year, we once again exceeded our $30,000 fundraising goal, and added more new builders – those that contribute $1,000 or more directly to the endowment fund – to our ever-growing list.”
The cheques were presented to the following six organizations:
- Joe’s Place Youth Centre – provides funding for work skills training and youth outdoor adventure opportunities. The centre, available to all youth, provides access to healthy activities and work skills, including mentorship.
- Forever Friends of Hope Foundation – provides financial support to those receiving a cancer diagnosis. Assistance includes day-to-day expenses, prosthetics, wigs or mortgage payments.
- St. John Ambulance Saskatchewan – provides increased training and evaluation for the Therapy Dog Program, which sends dogs and their handlers to various locations throughout the province, where their presence helps reduce feelings of loneliness, depression and isolation in participants.
- The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords – assists the community meal program, which provides more than 2,200 meals a month to the area’s hungry and homeless.
- YWCA Prince Albert – provides resource room funding so parents can attend programs aimed at assisting them in gaining knowledge, and skills to provide a safe, nurturing home environment.
- Prairie Hospice Society – provides volunteer training for HospiceNow, a pilot project that will provide immediate response to urgent requests for non-medical assistance and support to terminally ill clients and their families.
For more information on the Quality of Life Legacy Fund, grant opportunities or to learn more about becoming a builder, please visit saskatchewanrealestate.com or contact the ASR. Grant applications will be available again in January 2017.
The Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® (ASR) is the primary advocate for the REALTOR® community in Saskatchewan. As a not-for-profit organization, it provides direction, leadership and support services to its members, the industry and the public. Through effective communication and quality education, the ASR also strives to ensure a healthy real estate environment that allows for increased quality of life in our communities. Real estate is at the core of our economy and advocating for a strategic sustainable approach ensures continued growth and prosperity in Saskatchewan.
