Region of Waterloo, ON (January 24, 2023) – The Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) recently visited nine local charitable organizations to deliver cheques totaling $45,300.
WRAR and its members are proud to support shelter-related charities across the region through the Ontario REALTORS® Care Foundation (ORCF). The grant funding comes from the $2 per member per month WRAR donates as part of the ORCF’s Every REALTOR® Campaign which ensures investments are made back into our local community. Shelter is defined as a refuge, haven, or protection that provides or improves the quality of life from hunger, the elements, physical/psychological abuse, disabilities, and illness.
The successful recipients of WRAR’s 2022 grants were:
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- Cambridge Shelter Corporation
- Child Witness Centre
- Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
- Indwell
- Lutherwood’s Safe Haven Youth Services
- Shelter Movers
- The Working Centre
- Hospice Waterloo Region
- The YMCA of Three Rivers
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In the Fall of 2022, WRAR launched a social media campaign promoting the available grants and encouraged local charities to apply. “After speaking with representatives from a wide array of shelter-based organizations and hearing about the increased demand for their services, it was clear we needed to help,” said WRAR President, Megan Bell. “There is no doubt that the lack of affordable housing options and overall rise to the cost of living is contributing to the number of people within Waterloo Region facing housing and shelter challenges. We’re thrilled to support these amazing organizations operating in our community.”
In addition to the year-end Every REALTOR® Campaign donation, the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® donated over $71,000 in 2022 to support other local charities on behalf of its REALTOR® members through its annual REALTOR® Run, Charity Golf Tournament, and additional fundraising events.
WRAR believes that healthy communities are made up of a strong economy, safe neighbourhoods, a clean environment, access to housing and shelter, as well as adequate employment within the region.