In late November, Karen Yule, a sales rep at Royal LePage First Contact Realty in Barrie, Ont. was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a young (39), vibrant wife and mother, this news not only devastated her family, but also her family at Royal LePage. Spearheaded by one of their administrators, management, sales reps and support staff cooked and baked and reached into their pockets to help in any way they could.

Yule wrote in her blog: “I had the most amazing thing happen late this afternoon. Gail, one of the fabulous ladies at my office, emailed me last week and told me that she was arranging to have some food brought over to the house for the family. Of course I expressed my thanks but said it was not necessary. She came by today while mom was over and brought enough food to last a couple of weeks for sure as made and donated by some very wonderful agents and staff at our office. I was beside myself as Gail kept going to the car for more. We have everything from homemade lasagne to roast beef, to a veggie tray, wings, chilli….and the desserts, WOW! There were cards and monetary donations – I cannot express in words how grateful I feel to be working with such a wonderful, generous group of people. I was always drawn to our motto at Royal LePage – ‘Helping You Is What We Do’. Little did I know how many people in Barrie stand behind it. I hope to pay it forward when I can, but in the meantime, I’ll keep busy writing some thank you cards. This definitely made my day.”