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$16,000 GIFT FROM REALTORS®


Blog by Scott Williams | January 28th, 2014


News Release: January 28, 2014

REGION'S FOOD BANKS RECEIVE $16,000 GIFT FROM REALTORS®

SURREY, BC – On behalf of its 2,700-plus REALTORS®, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) has donated $16,000 to local food banks. The money will go towards helping food banks keep up with the growing demand from families across the Fraser Valley.

Ron Todson is the Board's president. "Food banks have reported that their usage has increased by 23 per cent in the last five years with those needing help ranging from single adults and senior citizens to families with children.

"As REALTORS®, we're privileged to interact with families and individuals on a very personal level, and we understand that the cost to get by is simply not what it used to be. There is nothing more essential to a family’s well-being than shelter and food on the table, and even that is becoming more and more difficult to maintain."

Todson adds, “Regardless of the state of the real estate market, we feel it's important to do what we can, when we can to give back to our communities. With this donation, we hope to continue to do our part in improving the quality of life for many Fraser Valley residents."

As with previous contributions in 2011 and 2012, this year’s donation was divided proportionately based on the number of FVREB members represented in each community with $7,200 going to the Surrey Food Bank; $2,880 going to both the Langley Food Bank and Sources White Rock South Surrey Food Bank; $2,560 to the Abbotsford Food Bank; and $480 to St. Joseph's Food Bank in Mission.

Marilyn Herrmann, Executive Director of the Surrey Food Bank, accepted on behalf of the communities of North Delta and Surrey. "This donation could not have come at a better time; our resources typically start to dwindle after the holidays, but unfortunately demand stays constant."

"We're very grateful that REALTORS’® commitment doesn’t just end at the transaction of a home. I think because they have the privilege of serving those fortunate enough to be able to own a home they understand the challenge for many who struggle to meet basic needs. Thank you, Fraser Valley REALTORS®."