Jason Wheeldon of Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his decades-long commitment to volunteerism and community service in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

On September 9, Kootenay MP Rob Morrison presented medals and certificates at his constituency office to several upstanding citizens, including Wheeldon who was awarded as a testament to his dedication to making Cranbrook a better place to live.

Wheeldon’s community involvement

Wheeldon’s efforts have included numerous local initiatives like the annual Turkey Drive, which raises essential funds for the Cranbrook Food Bank and the Salvation Army. He has helped to build local parks as a charter member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, coach youth sports and organize local festivals.

Wheeldon is involved with organizations such as the Kinsmen Club, Big Brothers and Sisters, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Cranbrook Youth Ambassador Program.

Family credited with much of his success

Reflecting on his journey, Jason shares: “It all began back in 1993 when I became a Big Brother and chaired the Kin Clubs’ March of Dimes fundraiser. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to work on many meaningful projects, like co-founding the Cranbrook Chamber Turkey Drive, which continues to support those in need. The growth of this initiative has been incredible, and it’s a true community effort that humbles me every year.”

Wheeldon credits much of his success to his family. Alongside his wife, who created a backpack food program for local schools, he has worked tirelessly to support the causes close to their hearts. Their dedication to Cranbrook has been a powerful example for their two daughters.

Photo: royallepageleadingedge.ca

From left: Dr. Tracey Parnell, Brent Bidston, Rob Morrison, Dennis Walker, Jason Wheeldon and Karin Penner

This week, the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB)’s Realtor Community Foundation (RCF) awarded community grants to L’Arche Association of Calgary, HomeSpace Society, The Mustard Seed and Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society.

These grants will help with major repairs and renovations to existing housing or shelter supply, to keep people housed in their communities. This year, the RCF increased the amount of annual funding with a total of $115,500 allocated to the community grant, $10,000 more than in 2023.

“We are deeply inspired by the significant impact these non-profit organizations have on their communities, and we are proud to support them on behalf of our local realtors,” says Catherine Chow, chair of CREB Realtor Community Foundation.

“Unity in our local communities is crucial to improving housing and shelter solutions for those who need it most. Together, we can build a brighter future for Calgary and surrounding areas.”

The recipients 

L’Arche Association of Calgary is a charity that supports people with intellectual disabilities to participate in a community designed to bring out their best. The organization has five homes in Calgary with supported independent living and day programming, and grant funds will enable essential renovations at one of the homes to ensure it meets standards and provides a secure and healthy living space for residents.

HomeSpace Society builds and manages specialized, affordable housing for vulnerable people in Calgary. One of its buildings that offers permanent supportive housing and a palliative care suite needs several updates and maintenance to ensure good quality housing for residents, which the grant funds will be dedicated to.

The Mustard Seed is a non-profit organization that cares for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness by providing a space where people can have their physical, mental and spiritual needs met. Funds will be used to upgrade the flooring in several units.

Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society serves women and children leaving domestic violence by helping them rebuild their lives. The shelter has two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, a childcare centre, counselling rooms, community spaces and an enclosed courtyard with a play area and garden. Funds will target updating one of the suites with new flooring, lighting, appliances and furnishings.

Editor’s note: As of October 1, 2024, the Motorcycle Ride for Charity raised $53,818.10, which surpassed the ORCF’s original goal of $52,000.

On September 12, 2024, the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation (ORCF) is holding its 17th Motorcycle Ride for Charity.

With a mission to enable and empower realtors across Ontario to fundraise in support of shelter-related causes in the communities in which they live and work, ORCF funds registered charities that improve the quality of Ontarians’ lives by providing refuge, a haven or another type of protection from the effects of hunger, the elements, abuse, disabilities and illness.

The event

Participants will choose to ride one of two routes this September. At the end, they’ll meet to end their day together in Peterborough over dinner.

While the full itinerary is still coming, the Eastern and Western routes are:

• Ottawa — Smiths Falls — Kingston — Peterborough
• Kitchener — Barrie — Peterborough 

Previous years help but need still great

In 2023, ORCF granted out over $1.8 million dollars in funds to over 170 organizations to support individuals who need it the most. This included the Motorcycle Ride for Charity’s best year ever, when it raised approximately $49,000.

And the need is great. In Ontario:

• 45 per cent of tenant households spend 30 per cent or more of their total income on shelter — the highest rate in Canada.
• Food bank use has increased 42 per cent over the past three years and a third of those visitors are using this service for the first time.

Source: Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Goal for 2024

This year, ORCF has set an ambitious goal to raise $52,000, which it will use to support shelter-related causes in Ontario.

“In 2023, the Foundation made a major impact on shelter and food insecurity in Ontario by donating $1.8 million to over 170 charitable organizations. But the need is great, and we can do more,” Shannon Ketelaars, ORCF’s executive director, explains.

She notes that skyrocketing housing costs and food inflation are causing more households to choose between feeding their families or putting a roof over their heads. “Now more than ever, it’s important that our community stays connected and comes together to build awareness, raise much-needed funds and discuss the positive impact that realtors and our industry can make through the work of the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation,” expresses Ketelaars.

Get more information, register to ride or pledge a rider here.

Image: Ontario Realtors Care Foundation, event final stop and dinner

For young patients at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) undergoing bone marrow transplants (BMT), recovery means spending 100 days in isolation rooms. For kids dealing with leukemia and other blood disorders, these spaces offer the essential environment for BMT recovery. However, it can be very isolating and challenging without having family and other comforts close by.

One such patient, Ava Hainshwang, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was 10, spent 100 days in one of these isolation rooms. She recalls feeling trapped in a small, glass-walled space, like being in a fishbowl — isolated from her family and unable to see her brother.

Photo: Ava Hainshwang, successful bone marrow transplant and BMT ambassador

Fundraising efforts within real estate to renovate & improve isolation rooms for young patients

Recognizing the great impact these rooms have on a child’s emotional and physical recovery, Electric Real Estate has been actively fundraising to renovate and improve isolation rooms, so that kids like Hainshwang can be more supported and comfortable during their recoveries. 

Over the last four years, Electric Real Estate has raised over $350,000, thanks to the support of brokers, real estate agents and real estate leaders in the Toronto area.

Sept. 19 fundraiser raised over $102,000 for SickKids BMT

To continue this effort and in conjunction with World Marrow Donor Day on September 21, the company hosted the Electric Real Estate 2024 – Rodeo Edition fundraiser on Sept. 19. To date, it’s successfully raised $102,573 for SickKids BMT and the group is still counting post-event donations.

Photo: Event attendees

Ken Welte, an agent with Sutton West Coast Realty, recently achieved his Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification and earned his Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) license. This follows a life-changing experience in 2021 when Welte survived a serious ATV accident. 

Resulting from a deep desire to give back to those in need, Welte now volunteers as an EMR.

Welte’s story: Inspired by a near-death experience

On January 15, 2021, Welte and his wife, Laura, were involved in a near-death ATV accident that left them both in critical condition. Laura was airlifted to safety, while Welte was transported by UTV. He recalls the professionalism and dedication of the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and Nanaimo Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. 

“Their expertise and care were nothing short of life-saving,” he says. “The pain management provided by the BCEHS was crucial. Without it, an already horrific experience would have been unbearable.”

Welte’s mission as an EMR, inspired by the care he and his wife received, is to provide the same humane pain management care to others in their time of need. As a volunteer with SAR, he recognized the importance of being well-equipped with advanced skills and knowledge and so decided to pursue his EMR certification. 

After six months of study and training, Welte passed the EMA exam and earned his license. Today, he volunteers with SAR, responding to emergencies at least once a week, including swift water rescues and community mental health calls.

“This certification is just the beginning,” Welte emphasizes. “I’m committed to continuous learning and improvement so I can offer the best care possible to those in need.”

Photo: suttonspirit.com

Garry Bhaura, vice chair of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and broker of record at Re/Max President Realty, celebrated his 50th birthday through environmental stewardship with the planting of 50 trees at the Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton.

The September 6 event, organized in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Brampton, aimed to combat climate change and promote a greener future.

The trees planted will enhance local biodiversity, provide essential green space and help mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon and improving air quality.

Significant for both the community and the real estate industry

The initiative was significant for both the community and the real estate industry. It attracted Bhaura’s friends, family, colleagues and community members — all committed to supporting environmental sustainability. 

Attendees included Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, City Councillors Rod Power and Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Gurpratap Toor, Member of Provincial Parliament Hardeep Grewal, Don Kottick, president of Sotheby’s International Canada, Larry Cirqua, CREA past chair, Winson Chan, Tridel VP of sales and CREA director, along with members of the Re/Max President Realty team. 

Reflecting on the event, Bhaura states, “Planting a tree is planting hope for a greener, more sustainable future. Each tree represents our commitment to nurturing the planet. Together, we are shaping a healthier environment for generations to come.

I’m deeply thankful to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the City of Brampton and everyone who joined us in this meaningful endeavour.”

Bruce Johnson, realtor and salesperson with Wasaga Bay, Ontario’s Re/Max By The Bay Brokerage has been a strong supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and brought in hundreds of realtors worldwide to support their children’s hospitals.

A heartbreaking journey

As his career began in 1997, Johnson signed up to be a Miracle Agent for the Children’s Miracle Network, donating a portion of every home sale to his local children’s hospital. Shortly after, he and his wife, Mary, learned that they were expecting their firstborn child.

Alyssa Rae was born on November 17, 1998, and was immediately rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at SickKids Hospital in Toronto with a rare condition known as omphalocele, where organs had grown outside of her body. Her condition was further exacerbated by an exposed heart and issues with her lungs and brain. After three weeks of fighting for her life, on Sunday, December 6, Alyssa passed away.

“We had her for 20 days, and that itself is a miracle. Without SickKids, that would not have happened,” shares Mary.

Mary and Johnson welcomed their second daughter, Holly, and youngest, Jocelyn. Both children also needed treatment from SickKids.

Turning grief into action: The birth of ‘Motorcycle for Miracles’

In 2013, a promise made during one of Holly’s eye surgeries at SickKids turned a planned father-daughter adventure into a fundraiser in memory of Alyssa known as “Motorcycle for Miracles.”

Fundraising began in Wasaga Beach and included the pair riding their motorcycle to Costa Rica to raise money for the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund at SickKids, supporting high-priority needs in medical research, education and patient care — from stubborn cancers and involved heart conditions to rare diseases and more.

Realtorscare.ca

Over the next six years, with the support of their whole family, Johnson and Holly took an additional two trips: Canada to Costa Rica was followed by Newfoundland to British Columbia and then the “Ends of the Earth” ride spanning the Americas — from the Northwest Territories to Argentina.

“These kids are the toughest human beings on earth. They really are. And they haven’t done anything to deserve to be in the hospitals,” says Johnson. “That’s the steel in our spines that kept us going through stuff that most people would stop for.”

60,000 kilometres for kids: Spreading hope across the Americas

Along their routes, Johnson and Holly met with local agents and brokerages at each stop, to speak with them about the impact of realtor-driven donations and raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network. They also encouraged realtors to start their own campaigns in support of local children’s hospitals.

In total, they rode 60,000 kilometres and raised $750,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network to support sick children everywhere.

In recognition of his worldwide impact, Johnson received a 2019 Good Neighbors Award from the National Association of Realtors in the United States (making him the only non-American recipient ever).

Following this, Johnson ventured on a final solo “Road to a Million” ride through Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022. He successfully raised $1 million for the Children’s Miracle Network — $865,000 of which went directly to the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund at SickKids in Toronto.

Continuing the fight: Johnson’s promise despite his own battle

This past spring, the Johnsons again received devastating medical news: Bruce had non-operable, stage four lung cancer and his doctors didn’t know how much longer he had. He’s currently receiving targeted treatment to prolong his life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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While many in his position might slow down and take a step back from work and other commitments, Johnson has tirelessly continued to raise money and awareness of children dealing with severe health issues, despite his own prognosis.

“If I could, I think that I’d like to tell Alyssa about how awesome our Dad is,” says Holly. “I think that he deserves to know that she would be really proud of him and everything that he’s given for her memory.”

The final push to $1 million for Alyssa Rae

Johnson’s final goal is to see the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund reach $1 million.

Realtorscare.ca

“We are so fragile, and these places put us back together, put these kids back together, are magically trying to put me back together,” he shares. “Even if the drugs are failing me, those will be my last days because that’s something that I really think is meaningful to leave that legacy behind. For Alyssa. I promised her, I can’t and won’t forget her.”

Learn more and support Johnson and his cause here.

Photo: Realtorscare.ca

This year, Camp Choice BC brought together a group of realtors who volunteered their time and energy to make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth. In six days, they immersed themselves in the camp experience, leading a series of empowering activities designed to build confidence, leadership and resilience among the participants.

A week of growth and adventure

The camp offered a wide range of activities that were both challenging and rewarding for the youth, including archery and horseback riding. Under the guidance of their realtor mentors, the youth learned to overcome initial fears and embrace the excitement of these activities.

One of the most transformative experiences of the camp was the high ropes course. This physically demanding challenge required the youth to confront their fears head-on, with the realtors offering support, encouragement and guidance throughout the journey.

Breaking through barriers

Another powerful activity was the board-breaking exercise, where youth were encouraged to write down things that were holding them back, whether it was fear, self-doubt or negative influences. With the support of their peers and mentors, they then physically broke through the boards, symbolizing their commitment to overcoming these barriers in their lives.

Tackling tough topics

The camp also provided important educational sessions on critical issues such as drug and alcohol use and self-harm. These sessions were designed to equip the youth with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and understand the consequences of harmful behaviors. Realtors led discussions, offering a safe space for the youth to ask questions, share their experiences and seek support.

Building leaders for the future

The camp also featured classroom sessions focused on leadership development. Led by the realtors, these sessions emphasized the importance of communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Through interactive exercises and discussions, the youth explored what it means to be a leader and how they can apply these lessons in their communities.

As well, realtors shared their own experiences, offering insights into how the skills learned at camp could translate into real-world success.

A commitment to community

Facilitators John Patricelli, Phil Moore, Xyrina Gutierrez, Celia Chiu & Chelsea Wiseman

Phil Moore, the camp’s vice chair and mentor, notes that realtors’ involvement in Camp Choice BC is a testament to their deep commitment to giving back to the community. “By taking time out of their demanding careers to mentor and guide these young people, they are making a profound difference in their lives,” he highlights.

“The impact of their work extends far beyond the camp itself, as the lessons learned and the confidence gained will continue to influence these youth for years to come. The camp continues to be a place where young people can discover their potential, build lasting friendships and develop the skills they need to succeed.”

With over 40 per cent of women in Canada reporting their experience of violence at the hands of an intimate partner, and nearly all of those women suffering at least one brain injury as a result, British Columbia-based charity Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury Through Research (SOAR) is working to bring attention to this issue.

Grant of $75,000 to help the cause

The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation (RLSF) is supporting their work with a grant of $75,000. The funds will be used to help launch a training program for women’s shelters across Canada, equipping front-line staff with the knowledge and skills they need to better support women who’ve experienced a brain injury from intimate partner violence.

“When we first heard the horrifying statistics on how many women were suffering a brain injury from intimate partner violence and learned how many shelter workers still didn’t know how to recognize or respond to it, we knew this was a project we had to support as part of our commitment to helping women and children find safety and healing from domestic abuse,” says Lisa Gibbs, executive director of RLSF.

Project will help create new, standardized best practices in identifying and supporting survivors at a shelter

Karen Mason, co-founder and executive director of SOAR, expresses how grateful the organization is to RLSF for supporting such impactful work. They can’t wait to get started.

“This project has the potential to form the basis for new, standardized best practices in identifying and supporting survivors at what is often their first point of contact after leaving an abusive relationship — a shelter — leading to better outcomes overall,” Mason adds.

Photo: RoyalLePageLeadingEdge.ca

May 16 was Moose Hide Campaign day and to date, over 5 million pins have been gifted that are creating conversations about gender-based violence. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation donated $5,000 to the campaign to help fund moose hide pin production and distribution, and workshops for take K-12 students and teachers.

The Moose Hide Campaign started in British Columbia through an Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has grown nationwide with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations committed to taking action.

Moose hide is associated with gentleness, warmth, comfort, hope and love and has been used for ceremonial purposes and clothing for generations. In the campaign, moose hide honours this relationship, maintaining traditional protocols and teachings of Indigenous Elders.

Pinning the square of moose hide or animal-free fabric on your lapel shows a commitment to honouring, respecting and protecting women and children and working to end violence against them.

Photo source: royallepageleadingedge.ca