There’s a story about a teacher who took a fish out of its bowl and left a classroom of children as it flopped around… telling them that if anyone left their seat, they would be expelled. All of the children sat and watched as the fish flopped gasping for air, not wanting to get up in order to avoid getting in trouble. Finally, a girl sprang up from her seat and ran to the fish, placing it back in the bowl. Ultimately, she was the only one who refused to watch the fish die. When the teacher returned, he told the class that this was the lesson; that the fear of getting in trouble should never stop you from doing what’s right; that sometimes… you have to oppose group think, simply because it’s the right thing to do.
While the story above is a parable, attributed to an anonymous source, it serves as a metaphor for just how remarkable it is that, 25 years ago, Royal LePage announced the launch of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. 1998 was a defining moment for Royal LePage; taking on the deeply complex societal issue of gender-based violence, at a time when it was uncommon to speak up publicly and take a stand against abuse happening behind closed doors. Twenty-five years later, we honour this brave choice, having become the single largest non-governmental funder dedicated solely to the support of women’s shelters in Canada. Well before the #MeToo movement, Royal LePage recognized gender-based violence as a cause it would support, when so many others would not. Royal LePage professionals across the country recognized it was the right thing to do.
In order to fund this life-saving and life-changing work, many Royal LePagers continue to make generous donations from their commissions each time they help a client buy or sell a home. They host and attend local fundraising events of all shapes and sizes, hike hundreds of kilometers as part of the Challenge for Shelter series, purchase thousands of Shelter Blooms tulip bulbs, and donate and bid on countless Shelter Auction items.
Now, in honour of our 25th year, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has launched the Sweepstakes for Shelter, which will run until June 27th. First prize is $25,000, with an additional $2,500 donated to the winner’s local women’s shelter. The big winners are 13 provincial and territorial helplines which will receive proceeds from the Sweepstakes for Shelter. These helplines are the first point of contact for thousands of Canadians each year who experience intimate partner violence. They provide counseling, emotional support, information, referrals and even help identify an abusive situation. Sweepstakes for Shelter is open to all Canadians (excluding residents of Quebec, due to provincial restrictions) and is an impactful way to honour the 25th year of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
In the face of rising rates of violence against women, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation supporters look ahead with determination. We know that together, we have made a difference in the lives of so many women and children. We know that with continued investment in today’s youth, the tide can be turned for many of their future intimate relationships. We can envision a world where the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is no longer needed because women and children are safe in their homes. As we mark 25 years of progress, we look with purpose at the work that remains.
Please help us mark our milestone 25th year. We ask you to join us in doing the right thing to ensure that home is a safe place for everyone. Visit sweepsforshelter.ca to purchase your Sweepstakes for Shelter tickets today.
To learn more about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s 25-year history of working to end violence against women, read this article.
Lisa Gibbs is Executive Director of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. With a Masters degree in Philanthropy and a career in corporate philanthropy, Lisa uniquely understands the power of philanthropy inherent in Royal LePage Canada. The best part of her role is working with agents engaged in their community to support growth of their personal brand. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charity.
There’s a proud legacy of giving at Royal LePage. In this current year, it is honouring the 25th year of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, having granted over $41M in support of shelters and intimate partner violence prevention programs nation-wide.
