Greater Toronto REALTORS(R) Donate $485,410 to Shelter Charities

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 13, 2015) - Greater Toronto REALTORS® kick off 2015 by providing grants to 60 different shelter-related charities throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

"For the past seven consecutive years Greater Toronto REALTORS® have voted overwhelmingly in favour of participating in the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation's 'Every REALTOR®' campaign," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington. "The decision, which allowed the Toronto Real Estate Board to donate $485,410 to the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation on their behalf, is just one example of our Members' commitment to fostering quality of life in the communities in which they live and work."

As a result of the Greater Toronto REALTORS'® donation, grants were provided to the following shelter- based charitable organizations:

Included among this year's grant recipients was Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, which is currently building a home sponsored by Greater Toronto REALTORS® in the York Region municipality of Georgina. Greater Toronto REALTORS® have also participated in the construction of the home, setting one family on the path to a better life.

"Our support of Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area reflects the ideal that everyone should have a place to call their own," said Mr. Etherington. "As REALTORS® we dedicate our lives to helping people achieve this important goal."

Recognizing that young people represent the city's future, Greater Toronto REALTORS® also support a Children's Breakfast Program operated in conjunction with the Toronto District School Board's Toronto Foundation for Student Success. Through sponsorship and volunteerism in the program they work to provide children in need with nutritious breakfasts to sustain their learning throughout every school day.

Each year scholarships are also presented to four graduating high school students in the GTA, to be used towards their post-secondary education. In addition, a Ryerson University student is selected annually to receive a summer work placement and award.

"Through the Toronto Real Estate Board, brokerage initiatives and individual volunteerism, Greater Toronto REALTORS® routinely demonstrate that they're dedicated to helping others, and in today's globally competitive world, their work to build a better city benefits us all," said Mr. Etherington.

Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Over 40,000 TREB Members serve consumers in the Greater Toronto Area. TREB is Canada's largest real estate board.