Local Realtors raise $ 2.4 million for charity

In 2010, the nearly 11,000 Realtors who are members of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver ( REBGV) collectively donated or fundraised $ 2.4 million for charity.

Over the past four years, Realtors in the region have helped charities by donating or fundraising at least $ 8.5 million. Previous totals were $ 1.2 million in 2007, $ 2.6 million in 2008, and $ 2.3 million in 2009.

The advertisement opposite this page lists some of the Greater Vancouver Realtors and real estate companies that donated funds in 2010 and the charitable organizations they supported.

To determine each year’s total, Realtors and real estate offices are asked to share information about their charitable donations.

“Realtors are tightly connected to their communities. Each year they find new and innovative ways to further our REALTORS Care ® initiatives and give back to the places where they live and work,” said Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president.

REALTORS Care ® is the charitable program under which realtors give back to their communities. Each year, REALTORS Care ® initiatives raise funds and collect donations for a wide range of groups and institutions.

These programs include the annual collection of blankets and clothing for those in need. In 2011, Blanket Drive Realtor volunteers collected and distributed 3,800 bags of clothing, coats and blankets. It’s estimated these donations helped more than 19,000 people in need in the Lower Mainland last year.

Since the program began 17 years ago, the Blanket Drive has provided warmth to more than 185,000 people.

Events held by Realtor volunteers in the REBGV’S six geographical divisions raised tens of thousands of dollars to support local charitable initiatives in their communities last year.

The divisions raised $ 46,657 in 2011 and prepared and served more than 500 Thanksgiving meals to those in need.

Through the years, REALTORS Care ® programs have raised funds for numerous charities, including more than $ 400,000 for BC Children’s Hospital, $ 250,000 for Canuck Place, and about $ 1.5 million for the MS Society.

For more information on these and other REALTORS Care ® initiatives visit www.rebgv.org/realtorscare.