Canadian Realty One Group family members took part in their first One Day event on May 1, a company-wide celebration of its anniversary when offices and agents around the world go into their communities to volunteer and give back. Fourteen years ago, CEO Kuba Jewgieniew founded the real estate franchisor in Las Vegas and began the annual tradition of community service in lieu of parties or celebrations.
“This is such an important day for our organization as the tradition of helping others instead of celebrating our own successes is at the core of who we are as Realty One Group,” says Shami Sandhu, president and regional director for Realty One group of Western Canada. “Our you-first commitment is not limited to within our organization. It extends to the communities in which we all live and work and I’m so very proud of that.”
The Edmonton office was closed for the day as the entire office volunteered at Edmonton’s Food Bank, spending the morning packing hampers for those in need.
“It was inspiring to see every member of our office share in our values and the company’s values and want to participate,” says Dan Rowland, who along with Merrick Duggan, manages the Realty One Group Insider office that recently opened.
Edmonton’s Food Bank serves over 22,000 people every month, approximately 40 per cent of which are children, through their hamper program. The organization also supports many local agencies including 59 schools by providing 500,000 meals and snacks monthly.
“There are many people in our communities that have challenges with getting access to basic necessities of life such and food, shelter and clothing,” says Sandhu. “It was amazing to watch our members volunteering at organizations such as food banks, homeless shelters and Habitat for Humanity.”
