Coldwell Banker recently launched Heroes, the brand’s charitable recognition program. Since March, it has reported donations of nearly $1.5 million and 3,100 hours to local charities in 2012 across North America.

“Charitable efforts have always been a foundation of  Coldwell Banker and our affiliated companies, management teams and sales professionals who take great pride in the role they play in their communities,” says Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Huskey says that Coldwell Banker All Points-Festival City Realty in Stratford, Ont. – with 33 agents – has raised $27,000 and donated more than 500 hours in 2012 to support such organizations as the United Way, Huron Perth Lung Association, YMCA Strong Kids Foundation, Port to Point Trail Association, and the Seaforth and District Food Bank.

Coldwell Banker system members are able to report their charitable efforts on a company, office and individual level via a portal on the brand’s intranet site, Coldwell Banker Works. From those who document their charitable donations, an annual Coldwell Banker Hero of the Year will be announced beginning in 2013.