Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® Create Care Packages and Raise Funds for Local Youth Facing Homelessness
Waterloo Region REALTORS® prepared for a week-long fundraising initiative by learning about the difference their charity partner, oneROOF Youth Services, is making in their community, and putting together care packages to provide moments of happiness to local youth who find themselves in precarious living situations.
REALTORS® strongly believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. The Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® put this shared belief on display at their inaugural REALTORS Care® Day when they hosted their REALTOR® Run kick-off event in support of oneROOF Youth Services.
The REALTOR® Run, taking place from May 2–8, 2024, is a self-paced fundraising run or walk, which raises funds and awareness for oneROOF. Participants are encouraged to engage their networks in pledging donations prior to their chosen race day.
At the kick-off event, participants learned about all the ways that oneROOF is supporting local youth and heard from a community member personally impacted by the organization. REALTORS® spent time packing supplies for youth in oneROOF’s care, which included a number of treats and a Tim Hortons gift card. The 115 care kits will be used at intake, meaning when youth are accepted to oneROOF, they’ll receive a package as a warm welcome during a very difficult time in their life. To really get REALTOR® Run participants in the spirit of giving, fundraising activities, including a raffle with prizes ranging from musical festival tickets to a barbecue, took place throughout the morning, with $3,855 raised on May 2.
“Volunteering is something that is very important to me,” said Charlotte Ferguson, REALTOR® and Salesperson. “It’s so important for us [REALTORS®] to be able to continue to impact our community in such a positive way.”
oneROOF Youth Services is committed to providing for the safety, support and overall well-being of youth who are experiencing homelessness, and youth who are at-risk of homelessness. The organization provides a range of services to local youth, including an emergency shelter, supportive housing and mental health and addiction services.
“It’s humbling, to have Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® support us in the way that they do,” said oneROOF Fund Developer Bonnie Kropf. “It goes above and beyond the monetary donations, it’s the in-kind support and the awareness that’s being created for oneROOF Youth.”
To cap off a morning full of learning and volunteerism, the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® held the ceremonious “shotgun start” to the REALTOR® Run, kicking off a week of making a difference in the lives of local youth who are struggling.
Since its inception, the REALTOR Run® has raised more than $56,000 for local charities and is one of the many ways Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® gives back. The organization also gives local REALTORS® the opportunity to participate in Habitat for Humanity build days and food sorting events, amongst many others community initiatives.
