By Hugh Foy
If anyone understands the importance of home ownership, it’s Realtors. We help our clients buy and sell homes every day. We understand the comfort homes bring, the memories they hold and the financial stability they offer. What we may not always equate them to is shelter. Yes, of course, a home is shelter – it should go without saying. But for a large number of people, it’s not the square footage, the number of washrooms or cabinetry colour that they equate to the home buying process – it’s the mere prospect of owning a home for the purpose of shelter. And while that shelter does eventually evolve into a home, where families grow and a sense of home ownership pride is fostered, it begins with a basic need being met.
The road to home ownership, different as it might be for everyone, is just the journey. Owning a home is the destination. As president of the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation, it is my goal to continue helping Realtors do what they do best – help all Ontarians arrive at their destination.
Established in 1967 as the Canadian Real Estate Board Foundation, it wasn’t until 1999 that the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation turned its focus to shelter-based charitable organizations. An obvious connection was made and since then, $3.45 million (since 1998) has been granted to shelter-based organizations across the province on behalf of Ontario Realtors. Since 1967 more than $5 million has been raised.
Every community is filled with examples of its local Realtors’ contributions. The local soccer teams are sponsored by us, schools are improved with our help and community events are hosted by us. It’s at the local level where we feel we make the greatest difference. We see the changes, the improvements and we feel the sense of community and spirit that we help create. We recognize the value that living in a strong, safe and stable community offers to our families and our neighbours. These are not privileges – they are merely part of the home ownership equation.
I recently spoke to a colleague of mine who is devoting a large part of her year to training for Ironman Mont-Tremblant, all while raising funds for the foundation. Cynthia Lee, political outreach manager at the Toronto Real Estate Board, wholeheartedly believes in the importance of community, affordable housing and home ownership. Fortunately for Cynthia, she lives in a wonderful community that has, at some point or another, benefited from her local Realtors’ contributions. And while she loves community recreation, she decided instead to commit her training and fundraising for the foundation as her way of supporting affordable housing and helping those who might need assistance acquiring a home and community of their own.
Personal efforts such as Cynthia’s are a big part of the foundation’s success. They are complemented by annual events held by the foundation to bring in funds. The foundation’s Jam with a Past President is always a big hit; the Motorcycle Ride for Charity is a summertime favourite; and the Every Realtor Campaign gives a lot by taking very little. These efforts raise thousands of dollars in support of the foundation’s fundraising efforts.
All of the selfless contributions that Realtors make inspire me. We make differences that change the lives of those who rely on organizations that offer warmth, comfort and safety.
However you plan to give back this year, remember that your nearest and dearest cause is right in front of you. While advising your clients on mortgage financing, helping them choose a neighbourhood or deliberating between a semi or detached, take a moment to remind yourself what it’s all for. Shelter first – the home is soon to follow.
Hugh Foy is president of the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation. www.realtorscareontario.ca
