Helping women and children rebuild their lives after violence.
Message from our Executive Director
This Fall has been especially busy at the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. In September, Royal LePage hosted the 2018 National Sales Conference in Halifax where 1,000 agents from across Canada came together to hear from leaders in the industry, learn new skills, meet new and old friends, and support our foundation. As noted in the article below, Royal LePage professionals stepped up with outstanding generosity and good will in support of domestic violence prevention programs.
At the same time, Fall saw the return of several Walk a Mile in Her Shoes™ events hosted by Royal LePage offices, our annual Shelter Blooms™ initiative and, because it’s that time of year, pumpkin giveaways organized by Royal LePage agents in exchange for donations to their local shelters. These events raise both funds and awareness for our cause and give shelters the support they need to help women and children rebuild their lives after violence. Our supporters, like David Halls and Barbara Ann Kisiloski who are quoted below, give women and children across Canada the chance to heal from the devastating effects of domestic violence and to start over. This happens not only in the Fall, but every day of the year. Thank you for making these new beginnings possible.
With gratitude,
Shanan Spencer-Brown
Hannah’s Story
I spent four years with a man I loved who hurt me, beat me and let me believe I was worthless. I have scars on my body as a reminder of where I have been, but for once my heart is light and I can see a future for my family.
I owe my life and the lives of my children to the staff at my local shelter and to you, the community of people who support the shelter through donations. Without your support and care, I would not have had the strength to carry on. Thank you.
Revised and reprinted with permission from the North York Women’s Shelter, an organization in Toronto that actively supports the rights of women and children to build lives free of violence by providing non-judgemental safe shelter, advocacy, and a range of programs & services including 24-hour crisis support.
Record-setting fundraising at Royal LePage National Sales Conference
Outstanding commitment to giving back evident at biennial conference
More than $150,000 was raised for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation at the recent Royal LePage 2018 National Sales Conference, held September 24-26, in Halifax, NS.
Royal LePage professionals gathered early in the host city to attend a wide variety of East Coast-themed pre-conference fundraisers – all with the goal of helping raise funds to break the cycle of domestic violence in Canada. Also taking place ahead of the conference was the annual motorcycle ‘Ride for Shelter.’ This year, a handful of motorcyclists drove from their hometowns as far away as Dawson Creek, BC to Halifax in addition to completing the event’s two-day itinerary. Together with the entire ‘Ride for Shelter’ motorcycle club, more than $18,000 was raised at this pre-conference event alone.
Once the conference kicked off, fundraising for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation remained at centre stage. A generous group of delegates made donations to attend a VIP lunch in honour of the foundation’s 20th anniversary hosted by keynote speaker, Rick Mercer and Royal LePage president and CEO, Phil Soper. Conference attendees also arrived with nearly 100 items to be bid on in both the silent auction and always-exciting live auction conducted by experienced charity auctioneer, Kent Browne, broker/owner of Royal LePage Team Realty in Ottawa.
One hundred per cent of funds raised at the Royal LePage National Sales conference will benefit domestic violence prevention and education programs. A special donation will also be made from this year’s proceeds to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to assist women and children living in Canada’s North.
Supporter Spotlight
The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is fortunate to have dedicated supporters from coast to coast. This column shares why they’re motivated to give and inspired to make a difference!
David Halls, Royal LePage Royal City Realty, (Guelph, ON)
“I consider myself very fortunate to have had no direct experience with family violence. However, through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, I have learned just how significant a problem this is in our country – in cities of all sizes and families of all shapes. Being in the business of “shelter,” this cause spoke to me on a very personal level and I have felt both obligated and privileged to support our Foundation in several meaningful ways. I donate a portion of each commission and have organized a number of events to help raise funds for the shelter operating in my community. I give of my time at the shelter as well and feel I get back all that I give and more.”
Barbara Ann Kisiloski, Royal LePage Northstar Realty, (White Rock, BC)
“I support the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation to help provide women and children with a safe place that is free from fear and abuse. I do what I can – by making donations and running four fundraising ‘Marathons for Shelter’ – in order to fund services that help women feel empowered and able to leave violent relationships; give them a safe place to land; and provide them with hope that they can build a better life for themselves and their children.”
