Manitoba Real Estate Association president Chris Pennycook recently took part in Finance Minister Cameron Friesen’s made-in-Manitoba version of the annual “new shoes on budget day” tradition. Instead of buying new shoes for himself, Friesen instead made a personal donation from members of the government to the Manitoba chapter of The Shoebox Project for Shelters.
The project collects and distributes gifts in the form of shoeboxes to women who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness. Each “shoebox” is filled with items that are not likely to be splurged on during difficult times.
The founder of the Manitoba chapter of the project, Eva Whitmore, is being honoured with the MREA Shelter Foundation Award at the 34th Annual Volunteer Awards later this month.
At the announcement and through social media, MREA called on Realtors to create their own shoebox for shelter and make a difference in the lives of at-risk women in the province.
“An incredible culture of volunteerism and generosity shapes our great province. By extending a caring hand to those in need, we continue to build better and stronger communities together,” says Pennycook, “Manitoba Realtors are inspired by the great works of The Shoebox Project for Shelters and the dedicated volunteerism of its Manitoba chapter founder Eva Whitmore.”
