The Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation (FVRCF) proudly acknowledges the exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment of Chris Shields and Rob Christensen. These esteemed professionals have contributed countless hours of their valuable time, serving as exemplary volunteers for the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), setting a powerful precedent for community engagement and philanthropic action within the region’s real estate sector.

Leading the Way in Charitable Giving: Chris Shields and Rob Christensen Champion ‘Donate per Deal’ for Fraser Valley Realtors

In a significant move to foster a sustainable culture of giving among real estate professionals, the FVRCF recently unveiled its innovative new fundraising initiative, the “Donate per Deal” program. This program provides a streamlined and impactful way for realtors to support vital community causes. Demonstrating their deep commitment to philanthropy and leadership within the industry, Chris Shields and Rob Christensen were the very first realtors to eagerly sign up for this groundbreaking initiative, showcasing their proactive approach to making a difference.

The “Donate per Deal” program is ingeniously designed for simplicity and maximum impact. It empowers Fraser Valley realtors to effortlessly contribute a chosen donation amount from every real estate transaction, or “deal,” they successfully complete. This systematic approach ensures a consistent flow of support for local charities. The logistics are handled efficiently, with donations seamlessly collected by their respective brokerage offices and then submitted directly to the FVRCF. This removes any administrative burden from individual realtors, making participation as straightforward as possible.

Chris Hodson, Executive Director of the FVRCF, emphasizes the program’s strategic importance: “Realtors are inherently generous individuals, deeply connected to their communities. However, we also recognize that they lead incredibly busy lives, and their income can naturally fluctuate significantly from month to month. The ‘Donate per Deal’ program directly addresses these challenges by offering Fraser Valley realtors an incredibly easy and consistent method to make a regular, meaningful contribution to their foundation, ensuring vital support reaches those who need it most.” This initiative stands as a testament to the FVRCF’s understanding of its members’ needs and its commitment to facilitating impactful giving.

Empowering the Fraser Valley Real Estate Community Through Philanthropy

The influence of Chris Shields and Rob Christensen extends far beyond their charitable contributions. Both individuals hold significant positions of leadership and responsibility within the Fraser Valley real estate community. Chris Shields, a respected past president of the FVREB, currently chairs the crucial board development committee, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future direction and governance of the board. His extensive experience and strategic vision are invaluable assets to the organization.

Rob Christensen, a dynamic and active member, serves as a current FVREB director. Furthermore, since 2019, he has dedicated his time and expertise to teaching the essential new member orientation course, guiding and mentoring the next generation of realtors entering the profession. His commitment to education ensures that new members are well-equipped with the knowledge and ethical grounding necessary for success.

The FVREB proudly highlights that beyond their formal roles, Shields and Christensen consistently give back to a multitude of community organizations. Their philanthropic efforts are particularly focused on initiatives benefiting youth, demonstrating a profound investment in the future of the Fraser Valley. They actively support various local youth programs, educational initiatives, and community development projects, leaving a lasting positive impact on countless lives. Their actions embody the spirit of community stewardship that the FVRCF seeks to foster.

In a powerful joint statement, Shields and Christensen passionately urge their fellow FVREB members to embrace the spirit of giving: “We wholeheartedly encourage all FVREB members to engage in any way they can to support the Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation. The impact we can achieve collectively is truly transformative. We particularly implore you to take the crucial step of speaking with your managing broker. Inquire about the straightforward ways you and your office can actively support the ‘Donate per Deal’ program, discover opportunities to volunteer your time, and fully immerse yourselves in these incredibly rewarding initiatives.” Their call to action resonates with a genuine desire to see a broader participation across the real estate community.

As a token of profound gratitude and a symbol of their valued participation, all realtors who enthusiastically sign up for the “Donate per Deal” program receive a specially designed real estate sign rider from the FVRCF. This distinctive rider serves not only as recognition of their generosity but also as a visible testament to their commitment to community support, proudly displayed on their property listings. It helps raise awareness for the program and encourages others to join this noble cause, creating a ripple effect of philanthropy throughout the Fraser Valley.

The Impact of Collective Giving: A Stronger Fraser Valley

The “Donate per Deal” program isn’t just about individual contributions; it’s a powerful mechanism for collective impact. Every single donation, no matter the size, accumulates to create substantial funds that the FVRCF can then strategically allocate to various charitable organizations doing crucial work across the Fraser Valley. These organizations address a wide array of community needs, from supporting vulnerable families and providing educational opportunities to funding health initiatives and enhancing local parks and community centers. By centralizing these donations, the FVRCF ensures that resources are distributed effectively and efficiently, maximizing the positive change within the region.

This program also reinforces the real estate community’s identity as responsible corporate citizens. Realtors are often at the heart of local communities, helping families find homes and businesses establish their roots. Their active participation in initiatives like “Donate per Deal” solidifies their role as integral members who are invested in the holistic well-being and prosperity of the Fraser Valley. It builds trust and strengthens the bond between real estate professionals and the communities they serve, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective pride.

The leadership shown by Chris Shields and Rob Christensen is instrumental in galvanizing support. Their willingness to be the first adopters sends a clear message about the program’s credibility and importance. They exemplify the spirit of giving that the FVRCF aims to embed deeply within the culture of the Fraser Valley real estate board. Their long-standing service, both in formal leadership roles and in hands-on community work, makes their endorsement particularly impactful, inspiring confidence and encouraging widespread participation.

Furthermore, the structure of the “Donate per Deal” program offers unparalleled convenience. For busy realtors juggling multiple listings, client meetings, and market fluctuations, remembering to make ad-hoc donations can be challenging. By integrating the donation process directly into the transaction, it becomes an automatic, effortless act of generosity. This thoughtful design ensures consistent support for the FVRCF, allowing the foundation to plan and execute its charitable initiatives with greater predictability and confidence. It transforms giving from an occasional thought to an ingrained, sustainable practice.

The FVRCF’s vision for “Donate per Deal” is to create a perpetual cycle of giving, where every real estate transaction contributes to building a stronger, more vibrant Fraser Valley. This program is not merely a fundraising tool; it is a declaration of the real estate community’s commitment to social responsibility. It empowers individual realtors to become agents of change, knowing that their daily professional successes are directly linked to tangible improvements in their community. The sign riders act as beacons of this commitment, reminding both realtors and the public of the profound connection between the real estate industry and local welfare.

The engagement of managing brokers is a critical component of the program’s success. By encouraging their teams to participate and facilitating the collection of donations, managing brokers play a crucial role in amplifying the collective impact. Their support not only streamlines the process but also fosters a philanthropic culture within their respective offices, demonstrating leadership beyond commercial success. This collaborative approach between individual realtors, managing brokers, and the FVRCF is what makes “Donate per Deal” such a powerful and sustainable model for community development.

Learn more about the impactful “Donate per Deal” program and the overarching mission of the FVRCF by visiting their official page
here.

Photo: Chris Shields and Rob Christensen (source: FVRCF.ca)