The REALTORS® of Greater Vancouver raised funds over the past year for three housing-related charities in the region as part of the REALTORS Care® Shelter Drive.

Developed by REBGV Realtors in 2009, the Shelter Drive supports up to three housing-related charities within Greater Vancouver each year.

This year, the Shelter Drive supported the Cythera Transition House in Maple Ridge, Monarch Place in New Westminster, and the Richmond Society for Community Living.

“It’s humbling to hear the gratitude from the charities we help and the people who really need it,” said Ashley Smith, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV). “The Shelter Drive is one of the ways Realtors are part of the communities they work in.”

Realtors raise the bulk of the funds at events throughout the year. REBGV Realtors also partner with Teldon Print Media and the organizers of the annual home show to generate funds for the Shelter Drive.

How donations will be used
Cythera Transition House provides safe temporary housing, counselling, education, and access to community resources for women and children who have experienced abuse at home. Cythera House will use the donation to expand their Stopping the Violence Counselling Program to reduce the wait list for women needing their services.

Monarch Place Transition House is a first-stage residence that provides shelter and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. The donation to Monarch Place will help lower the rents for families in their new five-unit affordable rental housing facility.

Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL) provides programs and services to infants with special needs, and to children and adults with developmental disabilities including residential care for adults, care for infants and children, and life-skills training. Shelter Drive funds will help RSCL purchase and furnish apartment units that allow adults with disabilities to live in stable, affordable housing.