From left, Lorna Dingwell of Unity House, Marian Barry, broker/owner of Royal LePage True North Realty, Mary-Ellen Proctor, Unity House, and Royal LePage president Phil Soper show off a cheque for $22,400.

A new women’s shelter to accommodate the growing need in Fort McMurray, Alta. is closer to breaking ground thanks to the annual slo-pitch tournament organized by Marian Barry and her Royal LePage True North Realty Team.

The tournament took place over a weekend in June, with more than 400 participants – True North’s biggest tournament ever.

“In our first year in 2002, we raised $3,500,” says Barry. “And now, eight years later, we managed to raise $22,400.” Unity House Family Crisis Centre, the recipient of the funds, plans to build a new facility with 50 beds. “Currently, we have a very cramped space,” said Unity House executive director Mary Ellen Proctor. “Recently, to make more room we emptied our office, which allowed for a total of 35 beds, half of which are occupied by children. We run nine programs here so we are in great need of a larger facility.”

During the past nine years, Royal LePage True North has raised close to $140,000 for Unity House.