The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive set an all-time record this year, raising $47,329.49 for three housing charities in Metro Vancouver.
   
An initiative developed by the REALTOR® members of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Shelter Drive raises funds each year for housing-related charities within Metro Vancouver.
   
“The Shelter Drive is one example of our Realtors’ commitment to building, strengthening and helping the communities in which we work and live,” said Dan Morrison, REBGV president. ”Our member donated funds through different events and programs throughout the year that will help three local charities that provide critical services to residents in our region.”

The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive has raised over $217,000 since it began seven years ago.

This year’s donations went to Aunt Leah’s Place in New Westminster, Cythera Transition House in Maple Ridge, and Yew Transition House in Sechelt. These charities help people in need find a safe and supportive place to live.

Aunt Leah’s Place helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and mothers in need from losing custody of their children. They do this by providing guidance, supported housing, job training and coaching on essential life skills.

Cythera Transition House provides a safe refuge and basic necessities to women and children fleeing abuse. They help women link up to services such as housing, legal rights advocates, income assistance, childcare, and other community resources.

Yew Transition House provides shelter, support, advocacy, and referrals to women and children affected by family abuse. Yew supports over 50 programs, employs just over 100 professional staff, and works with hundreds of volunteers to provide a caring place of support for residents on the Sunshine Coast.

The REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive was created in 2009 and is funded entirely by Metro Vancouver Realtors.

REALTORS Care® is the charitable program under which Realtors give back to their communities. Since 2007, REALTORS Care® raised over $40 million for a wide range of groups and charities.