$34,000 raised for REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive charities
At a glance: (2 minute read)
- Members fundraised through various channels, including online fundraiser, social events, and interest income.
- $27,000 was distributed to the three charities, $7,000 was deposited in our Vancouver Foundation fund.
- Charities benefiting include Covenant House, Easter Seals Housing, and Progressive Housing Society, supporting youth, people with disabilities, and homeless individuals.
The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive raised $34,000 for three housing charities in Metro Vancouver during 2022-23.
The Shelter Drive is an initiative developed by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) REALTORS® to raise funds for housing-related charities within Metro Vancouver each year.
This year, our total includes donations from members:
- From our REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive Charity online fundraiser.
- At REBGV social events, including Medallion.
- Purchasing home show tickets and Teldon calendars.
- Interest accumulated from our Vancouver Foundation fund.
REBGV’s Vancouver Foundation fund
This year, for the first time, the Shelter Drive has taken 20 per cent of the fundraising total to deposit in our Vancouver Foundation fund. This fund was created in 1983 by REBGV and the interest earned has helped fund shelter-related charities over the years. By adding to the fund’s capital, more interest income is available for our Shelter Drive charities.
REBGV Realtors distributed $27,000 evenly among our three 2022-23 charities and invested $7,000 in the Vancouver Foundation charitable fund. Investment income from this fund is earmarked for future charitable donations.
Charities receiving donations
Covenant House
Covenant House provides shelter, programs, and resources to Vancouver and area homeless and at-risk street youth. They help young people aged 16 to 24 who have fled physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; those who have been forced from their homes; and those who have aged out of foster care.
Member donations will allow Covenant House to expand their three core programs:
- Community Support Services - outreach and drop-in centre
- Crisis Program – emergency housing and programs
- Rights of Passage - comprehensive housing program
Easter Seals Housing
Support people of all ages with their disabilities. This assistance includes summer camps, adult and parent programs, and stays at Easter Seals House when in Vancouver for medical treatment.
Member donations will help develop their Garden Project for children, parents, and adults as a safe space to play and relax in the backyard of the House. It’ll also be used for operations and maintenance of the House.
Progressive Housing Society (PHS)
The PHS is a key provider of homelessness and community mental health services in Burnaby. They help people access basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare as well as stable, affordable housing. They help clients develop and maintain life skills, engagement with the community, and achieve personal independence.
Member donations will offset rising operational costs associated with their housing care and facility.
