Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association Helps Open Doors to Affordable Homeownership at Habitat for Humanity ReStore
There are more than 1,000 Habitat for Humanity ReStores around the world, operating to increase access to affordable housing. For their REALTORS Care® Day, the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association (SRA) rallied their members to get behind the counter at the Regina ReStore in support of Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s efforts.
Twenty REALTORS® spent a day volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s ReStore in Regina, which is one of three across the province. These second-hand stores invite community members to donate new and used items, from building materials to home goods, which are then sold to generate revenue to build affordable homes for Saskatchewan families in need. By donating items to a ReStore, community members are not only decluttering and supporting a local non-profit, but they’re also keeping quality items out of landfills and giving others the opportunity to furnish, decorate or build at a discounted price.
The SRA’s Board of Directors spent their morning out on the streets supporting the Regina ReStore’s efforts to clean up the neighborhood. In the afternoon, REALTOR® volunteers were hard at work reorganizing the store’s entire inventory, from holiday decorations to power tools.
“I think it’s important to volunteer with our fellow REALTORS® to show everybody how much we really care about our communities, and that we just really want to give back,” reflected Jeremy Cossette, SRA Chairperson.
Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan has provided a hand-up to more than 200 families through safe and affordable homeownership. While donations and government funding play a big role in helping Habitat make this happen, ReStores have also become critical to the organization’s success. In 2023, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan reported that their Restores saw 137,000 customers, generating approximately $2.1 million in revenue.
By providing a venue to shop for a variety of items second-hand, Habitat offers consumers a sustainable option to add to their shopping trips. Purchasing gently used items eliminates unnecessary waste and contributes to the growing societal shift of lessening reliance on new materials. ReStores promote sustainable consumer habits, which is a critical movement towards conserving natural resources and reducing pollution.
“It means so much for us to have the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association here on site today at our ReStore volunteering,” shared Kelsey Stewart, Vice President of Operations at Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan. “ I mean, what better opportunity for REALTORS® in our province to make a difference in affordable homeownership at Habitat Saskatchewan. Every volunteer we have does make a difference.”
Thanks in part to its Restore efforts, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan was recently able to hand over the keys to two families in need of safe and affordable housing at their Campbell Street developments in Regina.
The Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association is committed to making a difference in communities across the province. Through their annual Saskatchewan REALTORS Care® Grant program, they’ve supported many critical local organizations including the Maple Creek Senior Centre, McKenzie Infant Care Centres and Hope’s Home. Earlier this year the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association also participated in the 2024 Coldest Night of the Year, raising $4,775 across three locations in support of the Carnduff Choose Life Ministry, YMCA Regina, and YWCA Saskatoon.
