Despite catastrophic weather events, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the 27th annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive proved to be a great success. Over fifty FVREB member volunteers helped to collect hundreds of bags of warm clothing and blankets. In addition, members collectively raised $25,421 for the Canadian Red Cross’s British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal. These funds support those who have been affected by devastating floods last month.
In a collective effort between the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board, REALTORS® raised over $134,000. With the provincial and federal governments pledge to match flood relief donations, this year’s fundraising efforts resulted in a total donation of $403,899 for BC!
With so many remarkable stories of members caring for their community, it’s impossible to tell them all. One FVREB member, Baljit S. Sandhu, teamed up with the ‘Punjab Cloth House’ in Surrey. This shop gives Baljit a discount to purchase clothes for Blanket Drive, and this year he was able to purchase 115 jackets to donate towards the cause. Baljit is a long-time supporter of the drive and says, “Realtors can form community relationships that help us all be a part of something meaningful, while giving back to the community.”
Supporters of the Blanket Drive include dynamic duo and real estate partners David Corrie and Rajin Gill. Having worked out a supply deal with Abbotsford’s Mark’s Work Warehouse, David and Rajin have partnered in support of the Blanket Drive for the past five years. Over the years, Mark’s Work Warehouse has provided David and Rajin with some amazing clothing deals, such as offering $10 sweaters, or holding stock from previous seasons to provide David and Rajin with discounted items. Additionally, David and Rajin engage with their clients for the cause who also generously donate money and clothing.
The contributions positively impact the community, especially during a year when many people need a helping hand more than ever. The Board recognizes and applauds its members who stepped up and answered the call with countless and selfless acts of giving.
If you would like to join Baljit, David, and Rajin and the many others who helped bring hope to those in need, consider volunteering next year! Email vanessa.cheng@fvreb.bc.ca, to add your name to the list for the 2022 REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive.