From guide dogs to counselling programs, shelter assistance and mental health awareness, 59 local grassroots community agencies benefited from donations made by the Realtors Community Foundation’s Big Give in Edmonton. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the foundation has been giving out similar grants since 1986 and has contributed more than $4 million.
The foundation supports projects involving shelter, homelessness, hunger, crime prevention and special projects.
“This is our favourite day of the year,” says Jill Didow, executive director of the foundation. “We are able to give back to smaller organizations that really rely on the grants from the foundation, and from our generous Realtors who support it. I have had the privilege of seeing what these charities do and it is truly remarkable to see their funding put into action.”
The funds are raised throughout the year at a number of Realtor events such as the Santa’s Christmas Auction, annual golf tournaments or business meetings. Individual Realtors also donate a portion of their commission from each sale.
