Thanksgiving came a little late on Thursday as representatives from 30 Capital region charities happily accepted $300,000 worth of grants from the Realtors Community Foundation.
One of the beneficiaries was St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF), the local champion against domestic violence and other abuse. SAIF received $10,000 and executive director Doreen White was absolutely thrilled with the gift.
“It was excellent news. We’re just tickled,” she laughed. “That’s the highest amount that we’ve ever gotten from the Realtors Community Foundation.”
While said that the money would be going towards its counselling programs.
The timing was beneficial for SAIF as November is Family Violence Prevention Month, and Nov. 25 will see the annual launch of the White Ribbon Campaign to stop men’s violence towards women.
She added that the organization continues to expand its support services but demand always immediately matches. SAIF currently has a full slate of counselling sessions for 70 hours each week with an intake worker, clinical counsellors, and registered psychologists.
“We have an amazing, amazing team here. We’re full for 70 hours a week. I wish we could work ourselves out of a job.”
Realtors Community Foundation executive director Jill Didow said her organization is very pleased to be able to give financial assistance to so many worthy causes.
“The mission of the foundation is to provide support to charities working in shelter, homelessness, hunger, crime prevention … it’s with that idea that if there’s some way we can make those communities better, safer, then it’s a better place for everybody in which to live and work.”
Foundation chair Jaclyn Horne stated it’s an exciting time of year for the group and its members.
“The foundation is grateful to be able to help make a difference in people’s lives.”
The Realtors Community Foundation has given grants totalling more than $2.5 million to Capital region charities since 1986. It is supported by the fundraising efforts and donations of more than 4,000 realtors in the Edmonton area.
To learn more about the foundation, call 780-453-9343 or visit www.realtorscommunityfoundation.com.
