Sept. 21, 2017 | CREB
CREB® Charitable Foundation brings local REALTORS® together to build homes with Habitat for Humanity
Today, the CREB® Charitable Foundation sent out a team of 24 local Realtors to take part in a Habitat for Humanity Build Day in the northwest community of Bowness. The CREB® Charitable Foundation donated $50,000 toward these Habitat homes in Bowness and the Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) provided a $50,000 matching grant.
For the CREB® Charitable Foundation, this is a meaningful way of engaging its members in a hands-on effort to address the need for affordable home ownership in Calgary and its surrounding area.
“The CREB® Charitable Foundation is proud to be part of the contributions provided by Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Alberta chapter,” said Aneve MacKay-Lyons, CREB® Charitable Foundation Manager. “This organization has helped so many families into their homes. With AREF’s support through this initiative, our Realtor members are creating something extra special.”
This is the second collaborative build these three organizations have worked on together.
“The real estate industry and its network of professionals are a force for good and one of our objectives is to support the industry’s contributions to Alberta communities,” said Charlie Ponde, AREF chair.
“We are proud to join forces with the CREB® Charitable Foundation on such a worthwhile project and support the wonderful work of Habitat for Humanity.”
Every Habitat home is the result of tremendous support, through donations of funds, contributions of building materials and skilled labour, and volunteer work.
“At Habitat for Humanity, we’re dedicated to providing a sustainable home ownership solution for families,” said Gerrad Oishi, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta President and CEO. “This is only possible through our community’s support, and we’re so grateful to the CREB® Charitable Foundation and AREF for their dedication in making this a reality for more families in Calgary and the surrounding area.”
Not only did participants experience a day of building homes, team-building and camaraderie, but there was also a fun “Golden Hammer” competition that had two Realtor teams test their skills during a friendly construction-themed relay race. As they hurried to drive the nails, set the screws and cut the pipe, these Realtors proved to be a competitive and capable bunch.
The CREB® Charitable Foundation and Alberta Real Estate Foundation have a long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable home ownership. This is one of a series of Build Days in which the CREB® Charitable Foundation and its Realtor members will participate.
These homes in Bowness are one of five Habitat developments in this northwest community. When the homes are complete, they will be sold to local families through Habitat’s affordable mortgage. Mortgage payments will be geared toward each family’s income level to give parents the financial flexibility to build long-term stability for their children.
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For more information, please contact:
Lauren Thorson
Communications Advisor
Calgary Real Estate Board
P: (403) 781-1327
C: (587) 227-0598
lauren.thorson@creb.ca
Lisa Hallet
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta
Marketing and Communications Specialist
P: (403) 253-9331 x 236
C: (403) 827-5562
lhallet@habitatsouthernab.ca
About CREB® Charitable Foundation
The CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board) Charitable Foundation invests in local non-profit organizations to help build self-sustaining communities. This year, it is celebrating 30 years of giving and because of its member Realtors, the foundation has contributed more than $6 million to over 150 local non-profit organizations. These contributions have resulted in several innovative and sustainable solutions that have greatly benefited our community. www.creb.com/Community_Investment/
About Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is a non-profit organization that brings the community together to build strength, stability and independence for families through affordable home ownership. With the help of sponsors, donors, community partners and volunteers, we build homes alongside future Habitat homeowners to provide a solid foundation for better, healthier futures. Families purchase their homes through Habitat’s affordable mortgage, where mortgage payments are geared toward each family’s income level, and never exceed more than 30 per cent of their total household income. Since 1990, we have partnered with 253 families across southern Alberta, affecting the lives of 627 children. www.habitatsouthernab.ca
About Alberta Real Estate Foundation
The Alberta Real Estate Foundation was established in 1991 to enhance the real estate industry and benefit the people of Alberta. Created under the Real Estate Act after years of discussion between industry leaders and officials in the provincial government, the Foundation started making an impact right away by funding initiatives to help educate and train real estate professionals. Learn more about the Foundation at www.aref.ab.ca. Making a Difference. For the Industry. For Alberta.