This year, Santa traded his sleigh for a shopping cart.
The team at Sutton – Premier Realty in Surrey, British Columbia, sponsored 15 families, including 25 children, through the Surrey Christmas Bureau. They provided personalized gifts to put under the tree and enough food for three delicious meals on Christmas Day. Assisting local families in need has become a cherished holiday tradition at this office.
“Once again, we are proud of our Sutton – Premier family,” says Broker Larry Anderson. “This is the sixth year that we have participated in the Surrey Christmas Bureau. Thank you to everyone who came out to our fundraising events and everyone who helped shop and deliver our hampers.”
The team raised $5,300 through poker nights, lottery ticket sales at a baseball tournament and other fundraisers. Over the past six years, they have raised more than $30,000 in their quest to deliver holiday joy.
We have the most wonderful volunteers & donors in BC. Thank you Surrey for your generosity this Christmas season! We cant do it without you.
— Christmas Bureau (@SurreyChristmas) December 23, 2016
Last week, they were able to provide 15 families with approximately $350 each worth of gifts and food featuring all the ingredients for a traditional Christmas dinner.
Hundreds of local, low-income families register with the Surrey Christmas Bureau. In the weeks before Christmas, they are assigned to sponsors. At Sutton – Premier Realty, staff and REALTORS® then contact the parents about their food preferences and the children’s wish lists.
The volunteers, including REALTOR® Shirley Whitters (pictured above) donate their time to plan, shop and deliver hampers that overflow with food and gifts. Their gift in return is seeing the children’s pure happiness as the front door opens.
The Surrey Christmas Bureau is a non-profit, charitable organization operated largely by volunteers to assist low-income families in Surrey each Christmas. Their Adopt-A-Family program matches sponsors with families who have children 16 years of age or younger. Sponsors provide Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner and gifts for the family. Children who have special needs are often among the recipients.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
