REALTORS® go beyond buying and selling property; they are committed to contribute and support our growing communities. After all, this is their home too, and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) wants to celebrate those that make a difference.

OREA launched their Real Heart initiative which works to celebrate the many ways in which Ontario REALTORS® go above and beyond to give back to our communities. As part of the launch, OREA conducted a survey that showed:

• A majority of Ontarians said volunteering makes them feel they are contributing to something important (70%), provides a feeling of purpose (55%), and a sense of community (54%). 
• Volunteers also reported feeling happier (34%), forming new relationships (28%), and learning new skills (25%) as benefits of volunteering.

Real Heart will use its platform to recognize REALTORS® that volunteer their time by sharing their stories. No matter the size, every single contribution makes a difference and Real Heart hopes to inspire other REALTORS® to tell their stories. Read stories of the Real Heart ambassadors here: https://realheart.ca/category/community/, which includes:

• Bruce Johnson, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach: Founder of Motorcycles for Miracles and the Alyssa Rae Johnson Foundation, which has raised over $700,000 in support of the Children’s Miracle Network and SickKids Hospital.
• Lindsey Edwards, Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Cobourg: Creator of the “Flocked 4 Shelter” fundraiser, past participant in the Sahara Desert Trek and current participant in the upcoming Purcell Mountain Challenge for Shelter. Lindsey has raised almost $60,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, which directly benefits the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre.
• Vince Mirabelli, RE/MAX First Choice Realty, Thunder Bay: Founding Chair of the “Save A Heart Ball” which has raised over $1 million towards cardiac care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Since starting a Pediatric Fund in 2009, Vince has raised nearly $150,000 for pediatric services at TBRHSC.

If you are a REALTOR®, get involved by sharing your story, or nominate an Ontario REALTOR®: https://realheart.ca/submit-a-story/

Source: https://realheart.ca/

Collingwood, ON – As the pandemic continues to put pressure on the province’s already stretched shelter system, Local REALTORS® from the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® (SGBAR) is supporting their local community by providing funding to assist with service continuity. This funding is part of the Ontario Real Estate Association’s (OREA) larger donation of $520,000 to Ontario shelters and food banks, which is on top of the $480,000 donation made one year ago. The funds will be distributed through the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation (ORCF) to nearly 100 shelters and food banks across Ontario.

SGBAR REALTOR® members contribute monthly to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation, which acts on behalf of Ontario REALTORS® in funding shelter-related charities across the province. Shelter is defined as a refuge, haven, or protection that provides or improves quality of life from hunger, the elements, physical/psychological abuse, disabilities, and illness.

 SGBAR was granted a COVID Relief grant totaling $5,070, which was divided equally and distributed to our eligible 2021 recipients:

• Home Horizon in Collingwood
• Shelter Now in Midland
• My Friend’s House in Collingwood

All charities receiving funding are listed on RealHeart.ca, a recently launched initiative with a mission to support Ontario REALTORS® in their work to build stronger communities across Ontario. In 2020 alone, the Foundation raised more than $1.1 million for shelter-based organizations. Today’s donation is part of OREA’s and ORCF’s longstanding commitment to helping families in need of emergency and permanent housing. 

 To donate to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation today, visit www.realtorscareontario.ca.

 For more information, please contact:
Matthew Lidbetter, President Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS®
matthew@bluemountainproperty.ca 

About SGBAR: The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents more than 600 REALTORS® registered with its member offices.  The geographical area served by the Association includes the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Tay and Tiny, and parts of Severn and Georgian Bay Townships; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

About the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation: The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation, formerly the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Foundation was established in 1967. The Foundation supports shelter-based charitable organizations across Ontario, making a difference in the lives of people and communities where REALTORS® live and conduct business.

The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit organization. It depends on their member volunteers to help evolve and grow with member needs, industry trends, and our communities.

Our committees truly are the backbone of the Association, and contribute greatly to the health of our communities – here are a few ways how:

Advocate on behalf of homeowners and ownership
Our Political Affairs Committee is responsible for local, provincial, and federal advocacy on behalf of homeowners and ownership, as well as the Association. Their lobbying efforts support many issues that new homebuyers face, which include affordable housing options and increased inventory.  Their latest mission with our local MPPs focused on implementing a land transfer tax holiday, a home renovation tax credit, and identifying opportunity zones for increased housing supply.

Local Charitable Contributions
The Member Services Committee is proud to support local shelter-related causes each year with funds received from the REALTORS Care® Foundation, which each member contributes to monthly. In addition to this, much effort is put into our annual Turkey Challenge to raise funds to provide families in need with turkey vouchers during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Last year we were able to provide turkeys to 853 local families in need.

Local Education Opportunities
Professional development is a key focus of the Education Committee. In addition to countless education opportunities, each year local planners from each municipality are invited to speak to our membership to give members the opportunity to stay on top of municipal changes and developments.

Promote the use of a Local REALTOR®
Promoting the use of a Local REALTOR® is heavily supported by our Member Services Committee. Local REALTORS® have the local knowledge, market insight, and community network to confidently buy and sell a home in the region. This directly impacts how our communities grow and evolve, as an in-the-know REALTOR® professional is able to address important aspects when it comes to your home buying or selling journey. This includes investment properties, waterfront lots, Municipal regulations, zoning laws, and more.

We are grateful for our member volunteers and the passion, hard work, and dedication that goes into supporting our communities, the membership, and the association.

Photo credit: South Georgian Bay Tourism

The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation launched its second REALTORS Care® Week to raise awareness about critical housing issues and to share the comfort of home with community members in need.

This year, members of the Southern Georgian Bay Associations of REALTORS® (SGBAR) contributed with donations of non-perishable food items, grocery gift cards, and financial support during this elevated difficult time.

Once again, we received an overwhelming amount of support from our members as bags of non-perishable food was donated, along with financial donations, which will be distributed to the following local charitable organizations:

• Meaford Food Bank and Outreach (Meaford)
• Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury)
• Salvation Army (Collingwood)
• Wasaga Beach Food Bank (Wasaga Beach)
• Clearview Stayner Food Bank (Clearview)
• Elmvale & District Food Bank (serving Tiny)
• Mary’s Catholic Church (Victoria Harbour, serving Tay)
• The Guest Shelter (Midland)
• Margaret’s Church (Midland)
• Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church (Penetanguishene)

We’d like to thank all SGBAR members for continuing to put community first and contribute to help those in need.

To donate to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation today, visit www.realtorscareontario.ca.

The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents over 600 REALTORS® registered with its member offices. The geographical area served by the Association includes the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene,
the Townships of Severn, Tay, Tiny, and part of Georgian Bay Township; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

For more information, please contact: Mike Scholte, President of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® 705-627-2697 | mike.scholte@century21.ca

This year, SGBAR REALTORS® and Brokerages set a record by donating more than $17,000 to provide 853 turkeys to local families in need. Each year, the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® (SGBAR) partners with local grocers, who exchange the donations for turkey vouchers (or their choosing) of greater value. The vouchers are then distributed in Christmas hampers in our local communities, allowing families in need to enjoy a festive meal at Christmas.

As a result of the pandemic, a record number of families and individuals in need registered this year to receive a Christmas hamper to help during these difficult times.

At a time of need, Local REALTORS® and Brokerages were overwhelmingly generous with contributions to make a difference for the overall wellbeing of our communities.

The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents over 600 REALTORS® registered with its member offices. The geographical area served by the Association includes the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Severn, Tay, Tiny and part of Georgian Bay Township; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

Each member of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® (SGBAR) contribute monthly through the Every REALTOR® Campaign. The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation acts on behalf of Ontario REALTORS® in funding shelter-related charities across the province. Shelter is defined as a refuge, haven, or protection that provides or improves quality of life from hunger, the elements, physical/psychological abuse, disabilities, and illness.

As a result, SGBAR was granted Emergency funding totalling $4,780 to distribute to our local shelter-related charities that are currently not receiving funds from the Government to support COVID-19 relief efforts. This funding is part of a $480,000 donation made by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) that will be distributed by the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation to shelters, food banks, and shelter-based charities.

We are pleased to announce a total charitable donation of $4,780 was granted to the below recipients to assist with the financial burdens as a result of the pandemic:
– Hospice Huronia in Penetanguishene
– Hospice Georgian Triangle/Campbell House in Collingwood

“During these times, the health and safety of our communities is at the forefront.” said Mike Scholte, President of SGBAR. “Even in a time of physical distancing and isolation, community has never been more important and we are grateful to have this opportunity to provide funding to those in need to contribute to the relief efforts of our communities.”

To donate to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation today, visit www.realtorscareontario.ca. The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents over 600 REALTORS® registered with its member offices. The geographical area served by the Association includes the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Severn, Tay, Tiny, and part of Georgian Bay Township; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Scholte, President Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® 705-627-2697 | mike.scholte@century21.ca

Each year, local REALTORS® from the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® (SGBAR) step up to give back to needy families in our communities during the holiday season. Once again, our efforts went to support our annual Turkey Challenge and new this year, the REALTOR Care® Fall into Winter Warmup drive.

SGBAR members donated more than $10,000 to provide 522 turkeys to local families in need. The Association has continued their partnership with local grocers, who exchange the donations for turkey vouchers of greater value; the vouchers are then distributed by charitable donations in each community – allowing families to enjoy a festive meal this time of year.

Furthermore, this year the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) launched the REALTORS Care® Fall into Winter Warmup drive, where donations of new socks and mitts are collected and distributed throughout our communities. SGBAR participated which resulted in members donating over 520 socks, mitts and other accessories. The items were delivered to the following charities in our communities:

– Golden Town Outreach (Meaford)
– Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury)
– Salvation Army (Collingwood)
– The Guest Shelter (Midland)

The combined efforts of the local REALTORS® and Brokerages during the holiday season makes a huge impact by raising funds and donations to build stronger communities.

The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents over 600 REALTORS® registered with its member offices. The geographical area served by the Association includes the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Severn, Tay, Tiny and part of Georgian Bay Township; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

-30-