During this year’s Warm & Fuzzy Shelter Collection organized by Sutton Group – Lakefront Realty in Vernon, British Columbia, the public opened their hearts to make cold winter months a bit warmer for those in need. Days in advance of the November 5th event, donations began to fill their office—enough to stuff 40 large bags. Then, on the day of the drive-thru, the realty team was on hand to accept even more coats, blankets, gloves, hats and other winter gear. By the time the collection ended, donations were piled two layers deep in their U-Haul cube van.
“It is rewarding to know that someone who may have been concerned with the winter months ahead can now rest easy knowing they have clothing and boots to keep them warm,” says Broker Tamara Cinnamon.
Nineteen REALTORS® and staff were involved in this year’s Warm & Fuzzy Shelter Collection. Starting at 11 a.m. the team was in the parking lot drawing attention to the event and greeting and thanking generous donors. They wore Santa hats and reindeer antlers in the spirit of giving.
Office Administrator Tara Sopel was one of the staff members involved in organizing the collection. She notes, “The REALTORS® enjoy getting together and having fun while helping the people who need a little help. We appreciated that local media produced stories encouraging the public to donate new or used blankets, gloves, scarves, toques, etc. that would keep someone warm during our cold, but beautiful winters in the Okanagan.”
The donations were taken to Howard House, a transitional housing project operated by the John Howard Society of B.C. The facility is a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and offers support to foster the skills and education needed to thrive. A women’s emergency shelter and other charities also receive some of the donations.
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.
