The 24th year of the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive ran from November 13 to 20 and the final donations were delivered to charities last week. Thank you to all the members and offices who supported this year’s event! Your generosity and support made it possible for the volunteers to collect 1,362 bags of clothing and blankets for people in need throughout the Fraser Valley.
Although we didn’t surpass our most successful year ever in 2010 when we collected a whopping 2,187 bags, we collected more than last year’s total of 1,000 bags of donations and more than most years since 2010.
What stood out this year was the number of volunteers we had helping to coordinate the Drive in their community. Nearly 60 volunteers contributed, which included members and staff from offices, resulting in the most volunteers ever helping with the annual event. We asked one of our new volunteers, Abbotsford member Rajin Gill, if he would be willing to share his motivation for volunteering and his experience working on the Drive. Here’s what he had to say.
What was your main reason for volunteering this year?
“I just wanted to make an impact. I wanted to let people know that I’m not just a Realtor trying to make a sale – that I actually care.”
How was your experience?
“It was an eye-opening experience. It made me feel very grateful and thankful for what I have and take for granted.”
Would you do it again next year if you could?
“I will for sure be helping next year. David Corrie and I have some big plans for next year which will hopefully bring up the total number of donations considerably.”
What would you say to members who donated?
“A simple thank you. I don’t think even the donors realize how far their contributions go. The charities were EXTREMELY thankful.”
What would you say to members who did not donate this year?
“Do what you can. Even if it’s one item, and if you don’t have one item, then go out and purchase it. One item won’t make or break you, and typically when you give it comes back to you ten-fold.”
What would you say to members who have never helped with the Drive and who are wondering if they should?
“Totally try it out. Only positive things can come from your efforts. Seeing the homeless people you’re helping and the look on their faces when they see you pulling up to the charities with a truck full of donations was simply amazing. It’s simply a great experience.”
We are very lucky to have many caring volunteers such as Raj helping us with the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive each year.
Maybe next year will be the year you decide to join them? If you are feeling inspired by Rajin’s experience and would like to help make a difference during next year’s Blanket Drive, email debbie.jay@fvreb.bc.ca to sign up today.
More pictures from the 2018 REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive:
