Pictured (left to right): Andrea Fedy, Amjad Yousefi, and Jason VanAmelsvoort
REGION OF WATERLOO, ON (November 30, 2022) – Members from the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) came together from November 14- 18 during REALTORS Care® Week to host a “Boots & Coats Drive” and collect donations on behalf of The Bridges – Cambridge Shelter Corporation and the YW Emergency Shelter. “The participation we received from the community and our members was truly outstanding,” said Megan Bell, WRAR President. “By the end of the week, approximately 45 bags of good quality boots and coats were donated, adding up to more than 400 pounds!
Pictured (left to right): Tracey Appleton, Erin Parsons, Marlene Brown, Blanka Michale, Karen Bartlett, (front): Gaye Males
In addition to collecting and donating items, WRAR members volunteered their time to help sort and transport the donations to the two chosen charities.
Carole Rothwell was one of the WRAR members who volunteered their time. “It was a real eye-opener,” said Rothwell. “There are so many people in need, but [charitable] organizations like this not only help on a day-to-day basis, they truly help people learn how to help themselves by assisting with resume writing, job placements, as well as financial counselling. It’s great to be able to help where we can.”
In support of the campaign, WRAR member and REALTOR®, Karen Bartlett, also hosted a collection day on the weekend leading up to the Boots & Coats Drive. Bartlett arrived at the WRAR office with a donation-packed SUV and also assisted with sorting the other donations that were dropped off throughout the week. “I am so happy to be part of an association that gives back to the community, it really brings us all together to support our local charities,” said Bartlett. Bartlett’s collection day was also featured in the Cambridge Times.
Pictured (left to right): Carole Rothwell, Megan Bell, and Dorothy Van Amelsvoort
The Bridges is an emergency shelter run by the Cambridge Shelter Corporation (CSC) and houses 84 individuals. Due to the high demand for shelter support, they have also temporarily partnered with a local Super 8 Motel, providing an additional 40 spaces during the cold winter months. CSC also provides a safe COVID-19 isolation space at the Kinsmen Children’s Centre.
Wayne Paddick, Executive Director at the CSC, was very thankful for the donations they received; “The clothing we received from WRAR will go a long way to ensuring that those experiencing homelessness are warm this winter and have dry feet. With temperatures dropping, we tend to take for granted reaching into our closet for that next layer of warmth, and our fellas simply don’t share that luxury.”
The YW Emergency Shelter, run by YW Kitchener-Waterloo (YWKW) is in downtown Kitchener. The shelter houses 66 individuals and is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by providing services and programs that support physical and mental well-being. “A huge thanks to the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® for collecting AND delivering over 200 coats and over 50 pairs of boots for our shelter guests and families living in hotels!” said Christine Michaud, Director of Development at YWKW. Michaud also shared how appreciative the residents and staff are for the donations, “Our shelter system is currently at capacity, and the number of families living in hotels continues to rise. Your generous time spent collecting and delivering the items warms everyone’s hearts.”
WRAR thanks the Cambridge Shelter Corporation and YW Kitchener-Waterloo for all the hard work and dedication they provide to help the homeless in our community. “It is unfortunate how many people in Waterloo Region are struggling to make ends meet; we hope these boots and coats will warm the homeless during these cold months. As REALTORS®, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home,” said Bell.
Non-perishable food & monetary donations were also collected for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Through this, WRAR was able to provide 191 meals to families in need.
For more ways to help these participating charities, please visit their websites:
The Bridges – Cambridge Shelter Corp: https://cambridgesheltercorp.ca/the-bridges
YW Emergency Shelter: https://ywkw.ca/emergency-shelter/
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: https://www.thefoodbank.ca/
Watch Our REALTORS Care® Video Here:
The Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS®️ (WRAR) is a new association that has been formed through the recent amalgamation between the Cambridge Association of REALTORS®️ and Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS®️. We have a new name, a fresh start, but the same awesome REALTOR®️ community—just better together! While WRAR officially began offering member services on August 1, 2022, the two previous associations have over 150 years of combined experience. We are proud to support the needs of REALTORS®️ and brokerages serving one of Canada’s fastest growing and thriving communities—Waterloo Region.
The term REALTOR®️ is a trademark identifying members in good standing of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) who provide real estate brokerage services in compliance with CREA’s By-Laws and Rules, the REALTOR®️ Code, and all applicable federal and provincial laws and regulations. WRAR’s MLS®️ System is operated in association with the MLS®️ marks owned by CREA. An MLS®️ System includes an inventory of listings of participating REALTORS®️, and ensures a certain level of accuracy of information, professionalism, and co-operation amongst REALTORS®️ to affect the purchase and sale of real estate.