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.