When people give back to the community, the community thrives. Such is the belief of Darrell Poetker of RE/MAX Performance Realty.
In February, he and his family and friends participated in “The Coldest Night of the Year,” a family-friendly walk that raises money for charities serving hungry, homeless, and hurting people in 136 communities across Canada. They were able to raise over $1,400.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped him from coming up with ways to help the Delta community, while still observing physical distancing.
Darrell has watched Delta go through many changes. He regards Delta Hospital as the keystone of the community. Raising funds for the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation is close to his heart. In April, he reached out to his client base to donate to the Delta Hospital COVID-19 Response Fund. After matching the donation, the total amount reached was $1,500.
Photo courtesy of Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation Facebook Page
Around that same time, Jamie Leighton of Porkmafia.ca was sending hot meals to Delta Hospital workers. Seeing it as another opportunity, the Poetker family stepped up to the plate (no pun intended) and coordinated their effort with Jamie. They were able to bring approximately 100 meals to the hospital.
Darrell knows that stories from small communities can have a big impact. In May, he supported the publication of an article about the COVID-19 programs of Deltassist in The North Delta Reporter. The non-profit’s regular operation is suspended. It is temporarily operating the North Delta Food Bank and is offering shopping for seniors and virtual counselling services.
June is another busy month for Darrell as he will be bringing donations to the Sunshine Hills Parent Participation Preschool silent auction. Then there is the annual Poetker family scholarship at Seaquam Secondary School. The family has been awarding a scholarship to a graduating student for over 25 years. The scholarship is now in memory of Darrell’s mother, Ann Poetker, who was a long-time FVREB REALTOR® and a resident of Sunshine Hills.
It is safe to say that Darrell is inspired by his mother’s philanthropy. That he enjoys giving back to the community where he grew up is an understatement.
Source: FVREB Communications