REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Brings Families Together Through Kids Kottage Carnival
Laughter and cheer filled the air as the REALTORS® Community Foundation (RCF) brought together 17 REALTOR® volunteers from the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE) to support Kids Kottage during their REALTORS Care® Day.
Together with Kids Kottage, REALTOR® volunteers helped create a joyful, welcoming experience for families accessing Kids Kottage’s services, giving them a moment of fun and connection during difficult times.
Volunteers spent the day helping host Toon Fest, a carnival-style event for children and families accessing the organization’s services. Whether running games and handing out candy, or managing the prize table, the group helped create a fun, memorable experience for families navigating difficult circumstances.
“Partnering with the REALTORS® Community Foundation for our first Toon Fest was an incredible experience,” said Danica Atanasijević, Kids Kottage Volunteer and Training Coordinator. “Their volunteers brought such amazing energy and made the day truly special. The entire event ran seamlessly because of their dedication and enthusiasm. We couldn’t have done it without their support.”
Since 1995, Kids Kottage has provided crisis prevention and early intervention services for families across Edmonton and surrounding communities through its 24-hour crisis line, overnight emergency shelter care for children ages 0–10 and follow-up family support programs. As the only crisis nursery in the Edmonton area, Kids Kottage offers temporary shelter and care for children while caregivers navigate challenges such as housing instability, poverty, medical emergencies, family violence and health issues.
In 2024 alone, Kids Kottage sheltered 594 children and provided support, referrals and resources to hundreds of families in need. With capacity for 12 overnight nursery beds, the organization continues working to expand its reach to support more children and caregivers facing difficult times.
“Volunteering at Kids Kottage through the REALTORS® Community Foundation was such a meaningful experience,” explained Breanne Bradley, REALTOR® and salesperson with Blackmore Real Estate. “Having the opportunity to see the direct impact of the time and resources we invest as a foundation is heartening, and being able to help bring some joy and laughter to children facing challenging circumstances is truly what it’s all about.”
Founded in 1986 by Edmonton-area REALTORS®, RCF was created to bring REALTORS® and industry partners together to make a greater impact through collective giving, volunteerism and community partnerships. Beyond volunteering, RCF grants more than $300,000 annually to local charities that provide safe, accessible housing and foster community well-being across the greater Edmonton area.
While this REALTORS Care® Day highlights the impact of hands-on volunteerism, it also reflects the broader, year-round commitment the REALTORS® Community Foundation, REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, and its members have to community well-being. By cultivating a culture of giving and volunteerism, RCF empowers REALTORS® and industry partners to support a shared vision—creating lasting, positive change in the neighbourhoods they live, work, and play.
