Calgary REALTORS® demonstrate the capacity to give

Whether Christian Twomey is hopping on a motorcycle for a four-day ride or building a home in El Salvador, chances are he's doing it for charity.

In his 17 years in real estate, the RE/MAX Landan agent has become known for his charitable endeavors. Now he's being recognized with his firm's Hall of Fame Award, after having received a Lifetime Achievement award two years ago and more recently, RE/MAX of Western Canada's Community Care Award.

Real estate industry steps up to help Calgarians in need

The holiday season is here, and, for many people, that means food, family, Christmas lights, a visit from Santa and piles of presents under the tree.

But not everyone is so lucky, especially given Alberta's tough economy.

That's why many real estate professionals are stepping up their volunteer efforts this year to put some joy into the lives of their fellow Albertans.

$180,000 in grant funding awarded to Calgary and area non-profits

In keeping with its long-legacy of giving, CREB® Charitable Foundation has awarded $180,000 in grant funding to local non-profits selected by REALTORS® through its Investing in HOPE program.

The Charitable Foundation typically awards 15 grants through the Investing in HOPE program, but thanks to the generosity of its board of governors who unanimously agreed to inject an extra $30,000 this year, 18 organizations providing sustainable community solutions, shelter and care will receive a $10,000 grant.

Chris Bolt recalls big changes during time as CREB® president in 1999

The year was 1999. Y2K fears gripped society, the price of oil started to rebound and construction on a controversial new building for CREB® finally got underway.

In other words, it was just another day for Chris Bolt, who, today, looks back at his presidency for the REALTOR® organization as one of his greatest career accomplishments.

But how the native of London ended up leading the province's largest real estate organization during a year of transition is even more interesting.

CREB® Charitable Foundation increases Investing in Hope donations to $180k

For almost 30 years, Calgary real estate professionals have been making their communities a better place through the CREB® Charitable Foundation's Investing in Hope program.

This year, they're going to be doing even more.

In response to overwhelming need in Alberta, the CREB® Charitable Foundation has upped its annual donations through the popular program to $180,000 from $150,000. That means three additional charities, and a total of 18 organizations, will each receive $10,000 in 2016 to put toward their annual budgets.

Organizations chosen for work in enhancement, shelter and care

Choosing from a record 47 nominations, CREB®'s Charitable Foundation recently handed out $150,000 to 15 local non-profit organizations as part of the annual Investing in Hope awards.

This year's awards – which highlighted work in community enhancement, shelter and care – saw more than 3,095 votes cast, with the top five charities in each category being recognized.

"We had a lot of amazing organizations to choose from and we are honoured to have representatives from the charities here today to celebrate with us," said Charitable Foundation co-ordinator Aneve MacKay-Lyons.

This year marked the 16th annual CREB® Charitable Foundation Building Hope golf tournament, which had a record-breaking year raising more than $50,000.

Funds raised will go towards local organizations such as Inn From the Cold, Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids and the PREP Program, dedicated to the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in home, school and community life.

In keeping with the Ronald McDonald House's focus on helping others, the organization will soon be shining a light on those who've helped them achieve their goals over the last year.

Taking place March 8, the 2nd Annual Illuminate Gala will spotlight the importance of community by highlighting two inspirational philanthropists to the Calgary and Ronald McDonald House communities.

CREB® Charitable Foundation celebrates the spirit of giving
$250,000 donated to Calgary and area charities

Calgary, Dec. 12, 2013

CREB® Charitable Foundation celebrates the holiday season this year by donating a total of $250,000 to 19 Calgary and area charities.