Nov. 30, 2021 | Tyler Difley

CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation awards $100,000 to local housing and shelter charities on Giving Tuesday

CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2021 Community and Transformation grants.

The Foundation’s Community Grant recipients were the Calgary Dream Centre, Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta. These grants, which totalled $75,000 in 2021, support projects that keep people housed by assisting vulnerable populations at risk of losing housing or shelter.

“We are very appreciative of these funds from CREB^®, which will go towards a renovation of the craft room/play space/TV lounge area in our Calgary Ronald McDonald House,” said Tamara Smith, associate director of development for Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta.

“The renovation of this area will help improve accessibility, create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, and will include the addition of a much-needed sensory area.”

The Foundation’s Transformation Grant recipients were the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society, Closer to Home Community Services and Sonshine Community Services. These grants, which totalled $25,000 in 2021, are designed to respond to community infrastructure needs by helping expand, renovate or repair existing spaces.

“Providing safe and supported residential shelter to women and children fleeing domestic abuse is paramount to the health of our community,” said Monica Ercolessi, director of resource development for Sonshine Community Services. 

“The Legacy Grant Sonshine received from CREB^® allows us to continue operating at capacity and safely, empowering us to diagnose and upgrade the electrical system before issues and possible disruptions of service arise.”

The announcement was made on Giving Tuesday, which occurs each year on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that encourages companies, charities and individuals to give back to their communities and support favourite causes.

The Foundation’s grants are organized into three streams – Legacy, Community and Transformation – in an effort address housing and shelter issues from multiple angles.

The Legacy Grant is the foundation’s signature funding stream, designed to make substantial, progressive changes for communities in the area of housing and shelter. In July, the Foundation awarded $300,000 to 2021 Legacy Grant recipient HomeSpace Society to support its Sierra Place project, which will see a downtown office tower converted into affordable housing units.

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Tagged: CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation | Community Investment | Community Grant | Transformation Grant