On Tuesday, January 22, Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) presented donations totalling $19,146 to three deserving shelter-based charities serving the community of Waterloo Region.

Hospice of Waterloo Region, Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice, and YWCA Kitchener Waterloo are recipients of the REALTORS Care Foundation (RCF) grant through KWAR’s 2018 Every Realtor Campaign. 

“It is an honour to present each of these local charities with a cheque for $6,382 on behalf of our REALTOR® members,” says Brian Santos, President of KWAR. “Giving back to those in need is as a vital component of who we are as an Association.  As REALTORS® we feel privileged to live and work in the Waterloo region and we’re proud to support those striving to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.” 

The Gies Family Centre – Hospice of Waterloo Region is scheduled to open in late January 2019 and Capital Campaign Chair Merv Redman says: “We are overwhelmed by the support of our community in bringing to reality this vision for excellent end-of-life care in Waterloo Region.  This truly is a compassionate community that has taken up the challenge of caring for family, friends and neighbours in their most significant time of need.”

Last year YW Kitchener-Waterloo provided shelter to more than 700 adults and children who were homeless. “Last night, as the temperature plummeted below -20 degrees, we sheltered 119 people, said Elizabeth Clark, CEO. “The continuing support of KWAR makes it possible for us to do our work. We’re so grateful that Realtors Care!”

Tony Schmidt Past President of KWAR, Merv Redman Campaign Chair Hospice of Waterloo Region, Tracy Helm Director Fund Development Hospice of Waterloo Region, Brian Santos President of KWAR, Colleen Koehler VP of KWAR and Nicole Pohl 2nd VP of KWAR

Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice provide an alternative for the growing number of palliative patients in our community who do not wish to spend their final days in hospital but require more support than can be provided at home. “We are extremely grateful to the RCF and KWAR for the generous grant to help fund our Legacy Garden at Innisfree House. This garden will offer residents an opportunity to find peace and relaxation in a garden setting and will offer families a place to remember their loved ones after their passing. Thank you for giving back to your community and enhancing the lives of families across Waterloo Region,” said Sheila Ainsworth, Board Chair of Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice.

Tony Schmidt Past President of KWAR, Brian Santos President of KWAR, Elizabeth Clark CEO YWCA, Colleen Koehler VP of KWAR and Nicole Pohl 2nd VP of KWAR.

Since 1993 the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® has donated well in excess of a million dollars to support local charities on behalf of its REALTOR® members.

REALTORS® believe that healthy communities depend on a strong economy, safe neighbourhoods, a clean environment, access to housing and the protection of rights of property owners. KWAR recognizes the need to support and enhance the Quality of Life enjoyed by residents of Waterloo Region.

Nicole Pohl 2nd VP of KWAR, Tony Schmidt Past President of KWAR, Kim Henry Director of Development Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice, Brian Santos President of KWAR and Colleen Koehler VP of KWAR.