Last Date Modified Wednesday, December 12, 2018

VANCOUVER, BC –  Three housing related charities recently received more than $34,000 in donations from the REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive.

An initiative developed by the REALTOR® members of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Shelter Drive raises funds for housing-related charities within the Board’s area.

The money raised in 2010 was donated to the Alouette Home Start Society, the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, and the Tri-Cities Transitions Society to support the work these organizations do to help homeless adults and youth, and mothers and children displaced because of domestic violence.

“These charities have a direct and positive impact in the lives of adults and children in need of social, affordable, and safe housing,” said Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president. “These charities know first-hand what’s needed to help people in these difficult situations.”

Since its start two years ago, the REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive has raised more than $64,000 for housing charities.

The Maple Ridge-based Alouette Home Start Society (AHSS) works to find solutions for the lack of affordable hous¬ing and homelessness in Maple Ridge and area. Along with supporting a safe house for youth and community outreach to the homeless, the AHSS has started construction on a 46 unit supportive housing devel¬opment for homeless low-income singles. The AHSS will use their donation to help fund this project.

The North Vancouver Lookout Emergency Aid Society shelter provides safe housing for at-risk individuals and helps them gain access services in the community. The Lookout Society will use their donation to make improvements to their shelter.

The Tri-City Transitions Society helps women and families who have been affected by abuse. Their funds will go toward hiring an outreach worker to provide services specifically for immigrant women.

The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive was created in 2009. Each year it supports up to three housing-related charities from across Greater Vancouver. It is entirely funded from donations made by Greater Vancouver REALTORS®.

REALTORS Care® programs include the annual collection of blankets and clothing for those in need. More than $6 million has been donated to or raised for charity by Greater Vancouver real estate companies and their REALTORS® over the past three years.

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2010, 30,595 homes changed ownership in the Board's area, generating $1.28 billion in spin-off activity and 8,567 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $21 billion in 2010. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 10,400 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®.

For more information please contact:
Craig Munn, Assistant Manager of Communication
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
Phone: (604) 730-3146
cmunn@rebgv.org