In this season of giving, the Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation’s granting ceremony on Monday offered a timely and uplifting reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose. The event celebrated the Foundation’s remarkable milestone, surpassing $1 million in giving in just three years and recognized the 29 charitable organizations receiving $373,000 in grants this year.
The FVREB auditorium was filled to capacity with Foundation Directors, Board leadership, members, and of course, representatives from each of the recipient organizations. Together, they gathered to honour the meaningful work being done to support vulnerable and marginalized youth across the Fraser Valley, particularly at a time when more young people are struggling with mental health challenges, instability, and limited access to opportunity.
Foundation Chair David Herman reflected on the origins of the Foundation, offering a heartfelt tribute to founder Dr. Ian MacNaughton, who attended at age 87. “I’m sure you’re so pleased to see your legacy come to fruition,” Herman shared. “The best is yet to come as we uplift and inspire one young person at a time.”
The emotion in the room deepened as Roslyn Henderson of Big Brothers Big Sisters expressed gratitude for the continued support of Fraser Valley REALTORS®. “Thank you for believing in our work, and choosing to invest in solutions,” she said. “Youth face pressures today that we didn’t. Young people deserve someone in their corner and will cope and thrive with those supports.”
MacNaughton later addressed the audience, speaking to the collective impact being made. “With all of these incredible organizations doing great work, we get to build a different future for our young people, with purpose and meaning and build a different society, a different world. Doing something that actually makes a difference — we get to be part of that. It really touches my heart.”
While the formal program was filled with emotion, guests were able to connect, share stories, and reflect on the meaningful role REALTORS® continue to play before and after the ceremony. The afternoon served as a powerful reminder that when REALTORS® join together in support of young people, they help create lasting change and a brighter future for the Fraser Valley.
To read the news release, click here.