December 7, 2022 - The Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® (BDAR) has distributed over $46,000 to shelter-based organizations this year in Simcoe County through their A Night of Shelter annual fundraiser and the Realtors Care® initiative.
More than 722 individuals in Simcoe County are currently experiencing homelessness and the shelters in our region provide the necessary immediate needs for individuals and families like clothing, a safe place to sleep, and meals. In addition to their immediate resources, shelters also provide foundational emotional, mental, and physical support as well as assistance in finding housing and employment.
As we continue to see a lack of access to affordable and adequate housing and resources, BDAR created the ‘Night of Shelter’ fundraiser to highlight these important issues happening within our communities and to support the long-term programs of local organizations recognized and respected for good works across Simcoe County.
The second annual ‘A Night of Shelter’ virtual fundraiser ran from November 1st to 25th raising funds for Youth Haven, the Busby Centre, and the Lighthouse. The average night of shelter in our region costs approximately $30 and BDAR’s initial goal this year was to raise 730 nights of shelter for a total of $22,000.
“This year we had more than 200 Realtors® and community members and 22 brokerages participate in our virtual fundraiser,” said BDAR’s President, Luc Woolsey. “We are so happy to announce that we not only reached our goal but surpassed it once again this year raising 760 nights of shelter totaling $22,800.”
In addition to ‘Night of Shelter’ and working through the Realtors Care® Foundation, BDAR distributed $24,000 to local organizations including Habitat for Humanity Huronia, Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie, S.H.I.F.T, and Imani’s Place.
“We want to thank our members and the greater community for all their support and generosity, and we look forward to continuing supporting our local shelters through these initiatives to encourage a brighter future for those seeking shelter and to support the long-term programs of the many organizations in Simcoe County” Woolsey added.
For more information, please contact:
The Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® P: 705-739-4650
E: info@bdar.ca W: bdar.ca
676 Veterans Drive, Barrie, ON L9J 0H6
About BDAR
The Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® (BDAR) represents over 1,600 REALTORS® in the Barrie and Simcoe County region. BDAR provides its member's leadership opportunities, professional development, and other tools and services to help them deliver a high standard of services to their clients. BDAR is community-focused and believes that community prosperity is largely based on shelter and homeownership. The Association has a strong focus on affordable housing and helping first-time buyers understand how to get on the housing ladder.