NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
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The Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® (BDAR) has launched their all-new virtual fundraiser, A Night of Shelter.
From now until Nov. 26, BDAR will be working to raise money in support of Youth Haven, Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie, and The Busby Centre.
A safe, warm night of shelter frees people up to ease the heavy burden of feeling unsafe and nowhere to belong. Even one night of shelter provides a person in crisis the foundational emotional, mental, and physical needs to give them the strength to go to the next stage in health and wellbeing.
“The average night of shelter in our region costs approximately $30 and our goal is to raise 365 nights for a total of $11,000,” said Chantal Godard, 2021 BDAR president. “Here are just a few stories of life changes from those who have benefited from shelter with our partnering organizations."
“They taught me the necessary skills and support I would need to be where I am today. I am now a father of three, have been sober for five years and work full time to raise my children. I owe it all to Youth Haven.”
“The Women and Children’s Shelter was a safe place for me… and has helped me to focus on getting myself and the kids to a healthier place.”
“I am extremely grateful for the services Busby offered. Without busby, I would be on the street. They have helped me to get back on my feet at a time when nobody else would.”
BDAR has been a long-time contributor to local shelter-based organizations through various initiatives. Covid-19 continues to put pressure on an already stretched shelter system and the idea for A Night of Shelter came from the need to contribute much-needed funds to help provide housing for women, children, youth, and the homeless.
The pandemic reinforced that we are all stronger together. As we face the future it is the aim of A Night of Shelter to encourage a brighter future for those seeking shelter and to support the long term programs of local organizations recognized and respected for good works across Simcoe County.
“Although our goal is 365 nights, knowing the hearts of our BDAR Realtors® and members of the community, we hope to meet and exceed this goal” Godard added.
Donate a night or several nights of shelter at http://bdar.ca/anos
Follow the fundraiser progress on the BDAR social channels:
- Instagram - @barrierealtors
- Facebook - @BDARInc
- Twitter - @BarrieREALTORS
- LinkedIn – Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®
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