The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board has made its largest donation ever to area food banks – $20,000 – to assist them in their fight against hunger.
“As realtors, we understand the challenges many families face to pay rent, utilities as well as put food on the table," said Board president Sukh Sidhu.
“We were fortunate this year to be able to help thousands of families achieve their dream of home ownership. Not every year is prosperous however, whenever possible, we feel it’s important to do what we can to improve the quality of life in our communities. With this gift to Fraser Valley food banks we’re hoping to assist some of those who can’t afford a home by stocking their pantries.”
The $20,000 donation was divided proportionately based on the number of realtors represented in each community, with $9,000 going to the Surrey Food Bank; $3,600 going to both the Langley Food Bank and Sources White Rock South Surrey Food Bank; $3,200 to the Abbotsford Food Bank; and $600 to St. Joseph’s Food Bank in Mission.
Marilyn Herrmann, executive director of the Surrey Food Bank, received FVREB’s cheque on behalf of the communities of North Delta and Surrey.
“Realtors are amongst our most generous supporters, not just in dollars but in volunteer time," Herrmann noted.
“Sukh asked how many bags of rice $9,000 could provide and I was very happy to tell him: 225 40-pound bags. Or it will provide formula to 230 babies for almost two months. This is a very special gift and on behalf of all Fraser Valley food banks, we are very grateful.”
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is the professional association of over 2,800 realtors who live and work in the communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford and Mission. Because realtors live where they work and work where they live, they care deeply about the quality of life in their communities.
The profession embraces a philosophy called Quality of Life, which provides a framework for government relations work; member volunteer work and community support. For more information, go to www.fvreb.bc.ca