HUNTSVILLE– The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® has provided financial support to the Minden Food Bank as part of their Ontario REALTORS Care® and Tragic Relief Fund programs. This financial support is in response to the pandemic, the impacts of which are being felt by hundreds of families and individuals, as well as the people who are working tirelessly to help feed the region’s most vulnerable residents.

According to Food Banks Canada, the number of people requiring help has skyrocketed by at least 20 percent in most regions across the country since the lockdown began, with projections that these numbers will continue to rise in the weeks and months to come. This type of corporate support is essential.

“The timing for the donation is critical,” says local REALTOR® Andrew Hodgson, who represents the Haliburton region on The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors. “The Minden Food Bank has been overwhelmed with requests as a result of the economic impact on our community due the virus. The Minden Food Bank is a vital part of filling the needs of many, to enable a family to survive in these trying times.”

Between the two organizations – the association’s Tragic Relief Fund and The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation – The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® has donated $10,780 to food banks in the regions they represent (Haliburton, Muskoka, Orillia and Parry Sound) in response to the pandemic.

Provincially, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has donated $480,000 to Ontario shelters and shelter-based charities through the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation. OREA’s donation will reach the most vulnerable populations through more than 50 shelters and food banks across Ontario.
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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 Lakelands Association of REALTORS® holds a Tragic Relief Fund in their budget to help support significant local causes. The committee responsible for the fund considers tragic events throughout Parry Sound, Muskoka, Orillia and Haliburton that require an injection of funds to prevent further impact.

Contact:
Crystal Henderson, Executive Director of The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®
chenderson@thelakelands.ca