Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg & Area Association of REALTORS® Supports Families Transitioning to Parenthood
Small essentials, big difference. That’s the idea that shaped the Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg & Area Association of REALTORS®’s (WITAAR) REALTORS Care® Day in support of Dayspring Pregnancy & Family Support Centre.
Seven REALTORS® from WITAAR gathered to assemble “Baby Bags” with items gathered prior to the event to help new and expecting parents. They included diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, a teething ring, a blanket, diaper cream, vitamin D drops (donated by Innerkip Pharmacy) and formula. The bags were then delivered to Dayspring’s Expectant Family Program where they will be distributed to families who need them.
WITAAR also donated $1,000 in baby formula to support the centre’s emergency Care Closet, a free, short-term service that provides urgent baby supplies and basic necessities for families facing crisis.
“We really appreciate the care and thought WITAAR, and its volunteers put into the Baby Bags,” said Vanessa Janzen, Dayspring’s Development Coordinator. “We truly value the partnership with WITAAR and the impact it has on the families we support in Oxford County.”
For over 30 years, Dayspring has supported individuals and families across Oxford County by providing pregnancy, parenting and adoption-related services. The organization operates a range of programs including counseling, prenatal classes, parenting groups, and peer support programs (such as Mom’s Group and Baby Brunch). All programs are aimed at strengthening family connections and building confidence in early parenthood.
For many families across Oxford County, rising costs of living and increasing housing pressures have made it more difficult to afford basic necessities for a new baby, making access to essential supplies and wraparound supports particularly critical. No matter the current pressures new parents are facing, the heart of Dayspring’s work has been their commitment to support families with compassion during times of transition and ensure they have access to resources, education and community support while navigating pregnancy and early parenthood.
By partnering with Dayspring, REALTOR® volunteers are helping reduce immediate financial pressure on new parents and contributing to a stronger support network for families across the region.
“Giving back to our community in this way is truly special,” said Michelle Kirwin, salesperson with Century 21 Heritage House Ltd Brokerage and WITAAR REALTORS Care® Committee Member. “It was especially meaningful to see how excited everyone was to receive the bags and know that they will help many local families. I’m grateful to be part of a profession that values community involvement, and I’m proud to be a member of this committee and the positive impact we’re making together.”
WITAAR’s commitment to strengthening their community is evident not only on their REALTORS Care® Day, but throughout the year with their REALTOR® members participating in a variety of initiatives that give back to their community. In May 2026, for example, the association’s REALTORS Care® Food Drive collected 30,000 pounds of food for Oxford County food banks. Other initiatives include the Summer Picnic Diaper Drive, which helps Dayspring stock up on essential baby supplies during the summer months; the annual Conquer the Cold Drive, which collects warm clothing and winter necessities for those facing hardship; and an annual Toy Drive in December.
WITAAR also maintains a community donation fund that provides financial support to Oxford County families experiencing life-changing events, including two recent donations of $700 to local families.
