Tina August-REALTOR®: Food For Shelter-Royal LePage Top Producers April Fundraiser

...supporting the Willow Place Inc. & the Welcome Home program

It was in March of 2014 when myself, my Broker and some colleagues were sitting at our Royal LePage Gala and started talking about fundraisers. The question came up, 'Why don't we do something to give back to our community?!' and then BAM, Food for Shelter was created later that month and we launched our first annual Food Fundraiser in April. Our committee consisted of a handful of Realtors, our Broker and some staff members. Because we are so proud of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, we decided to direct our fundraiser towards local Women's Shelters in our community that help women and children that are victims of and fleeing from domestic violence. I would like to take a moment to let everyone know that it was a big eye opener for me that this happens to families of all cultures, types, ages and too often! It surprised me after hearing some stories shared by women that I know how they had been in a situation where they had to start all over at some point in their lives because of this and how many people in their lives didn't even know what was happening behind closed doors.

Our first year's goal was to raise 2014 non-perishable food items for the Osbourne House and the Agape House. It was amazing to hear, feel, and experience the response we all received from colleagues, family, friends and clients and we not only reached this goal, but surpassed it by accumulating more then 3000+ items.

On delivery day myself, two colleagues and our Broker packed everything up, and I will be honest, I was shocked to see how empty the Shelter's supply shelves were. When we left, that whole room was stocked full of all sorts of food, baby items and women's toiletries. Later that month we received a letter from the director thanking us for our support and donations and said that because of our efforts they would be able to help many women and children for many months. WOW! What an awesome feeling!!! Everyone who donated was a part of that and made a HUGE difference for these Shelters and the families that seeked their help and protection during a very dark time in their lives.

This year we have launched our second annual Food for Shelter Fundraiser and upped our goal to 4030 items by the end of April. If I thought we had amazing support last year with our efforts, I am completely blown away by the response we have received this year!! Our committee has grown with other REALTORS that want to make a difference in our community and we have also offered 7 corporate sponsor spots. *I would like to personally thank #MikeGupton and #KMG Gold for their sponsorship, as well as the Grade three students and #RadissonElementarySchool!! People of all ages and all professions are stepping up and participating, which is just awesome!

So, how can you help and know that you have made a difference? The next time you are out shopping, buy a couple more items then you normally would and donate them. If you would rather, we do accept cash donations as well, which in turn are used to purchase some of the higher demand items needed. We have TONS of drop off locations throughout the City and even surrounding communities OR, give me a call today and I can come pick up your donation.

Please, HELP US REACH OUR GOAL & HELP WOMEN AND CHILDREN in our community. You can visit our Facebook page for additional information, a list of drop off locations & updates at

www.facebook.com/food4shelter.

Thank you to everyone that has already made their donation. I know that we will be able to reach our goal & even surpass it again this year with your help.

Tina August
REALTOR
Royal LePage Top Producers
6-1549 St. Mary's Road --------MAIN DROP OFF LOCATION
204-989-6900 ------TO ARRANGE FOR THE PICK UP OF YOUR DONATION

Your donations will be made directly to the Willow Place Inc. & the Welcome Home program.

www.facebook.com/food4shelter

ITEMS NEEDED: