On behalf of its members, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) has donated a total of $25,000 to six food banks in its region this year.
“Many households in our region spend 50 per cent or more of their family’s income towards shelter. It doesn’t leave a lot left over for food, gas or childcare,” said Darin Germyn, President of the Board. “Without the assistance of our local food banks, thousands of people in the Fraser Valley could not make ends meet. It’s an honour to be able to support essential organizations that contribute so much to the betterment of our communities.”
This is the eighth year Fraser Valley Realtors have donated to local food banks. In that time, a total amount of $207,500 has been distributed throughout the region.
As in previous years, the donation is divided proportionately based on the number of Realtors represented in each community. $14,450 will go to the Surrey Food Bank; $5,400 to the Langley Food Bank; $1,200 to Sources – White Rock / South Surrey Food Bank; $650 to the North Delta Chapter of the Surrey Food Bank; $2,750 to the Abbotsford Food Bank; and $550 to St. Joseph’s Food Bank in Mission.
Jim Calamunce, Executive Director, received the FVREB’s cheque on behalf of the Langley Food Bank.
“Every dollar matters; particularly larger donations from caring, corporate citizens like Fraser Valley REALTORS®. It allows us to buy in bulk taking advantage of what’s seasonal and most needed by our clients right now or we can stock up on vital supplies that aren’t as affected by expiry dates, like baby formula and cereal.”
Calamunce explained, “We now have 690 families relying on the Langley Food Bank every month. Many of our clients are working, paying taxes and are just trying their very best to get by. They just need a little helping hand and are so thankful for the support.”
British Columbia’s food banks support over 80,000 people every month; please consider supporting the food bank organization in your community. For more information about all FVREB community giving initiatives, go to www.fvreb.bc.ca.