Victoria Real Estate Board Supports a Fresh Start for Local Family at Habitat for Humanity Victoria Build
REALTOR® volunteers from the Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB) rolled up their sleeves in support of Habitat Humanity Victoria during their REALTORS Care® Day. Equipped with tools, cleaning supplies and a strong spirit of teamwork, volunteers helped prepare 4000 Cedar Hill Cross Road to welcome its new family.
Volunteers spent the day helping add finishing touches to the home that VREB members previously helped to build in 2015. After serving as a home to a Habitat for Humanity Victoria family for several years, the property is now being refreshed for its next owners. Volunteers helped with patching and sanding walls, washing surfaces, cleaning kitchen cabinets, and preparing rooms for painting, returning the following day to paint and complete other touch-ups.
“Families that join the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program get a leg-up in life altogether,” explained Jaime Wilson, Manager, Events, Office and Volunteers at Habitat for Humanity Victoria. “These are the people who keep our communities alive, and having an affordable home to live in that belongs to them allows them to stay in the communities they love. We see more children pursuing post-secondary education and more families able to put down roots rather than being forced to leave.”
Habitat for Humanity Victoria helps create affordable homeownership opportunities for families across the region through community partnerships, volunteer support and donated resources. By providing access to affordable mortgage options, the organization works to promote long-term housing stability and build stronger, more resilient communities throughout Greater Victoria.
“Homeownership offers a valuable start for a family, and Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to create those opportunities,” said Chris Margetts, salesperson with Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island and Director at the Victoria Real Estate Board. “That’s what we do as REALTORS® in our day to day: find homes for families, so supporting Habitat is another way for us to do that.”
While the future homeowners have not yet been selected, the home will soon provide a local family with the opportunity to begin a new chapter through affordable homeownership. By helping prepare the home for move-in day, REALTOR® volunteers played a direct role in creating a welcoming space where the family can build lasting memories and a more stable future.
“Getting a house prepared for a family to move into and ensuring it’s safe, clean and welcoming is a great feeling,” said Robyn Wildman, salesperson with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. “Whether people rent, buy or access programs like Habitat for Humanity, we’re here to support anyone in finding a place to call home.”
While their REALTORS Care® Day focused on preparing this home for its next chapter, VREB is committed to strengthening communities across the city. In addition to volunteering their time, VREB donated $35,000 to their local Habitat for Humanity chapter earlier this year in efforts to support upcoming affordable housing builds in the region. Through financial support, hands-on volunteer efforts and a shared commitment to affordable homeownership, REALTORS® in Victoria continue working to make a meaningful impact, helping create a brighter future for local families and communities across the region.
