Dale Devereaux of Red Deer, Alta. accepting the Canadian Realtors Care Award 2023 at CREA’s AGM in Ottawa in April.

Nominations Open for the Canadian Realtors Care Award 2024 by Realtor.ca: Recognizing Community Heroes

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), in proud partnership with Realtor.ca, is thrilled to announce that nominations are officially open for the prestigious Canadian Realtors Care Award 2024. This annual accolade stands as a beacon, illuminating the tireless efforts and profound dedication of real estate professionals who extend their commitment far beyond property transactions, making invaluable contributions to the well-being and development of their local communities across Canada.

Since its inception in 2016, the Canadian Realtors Care Award has become a cornerstone event within the real estate industry, celebrating the spirit of altruism and civic responsibility that defines so many realtors. Over the years, this national program has recognized nine exceptional realtors from five different provinces, each sharing a common thread: an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The award not only celebrates individual achievements but also serves to inspire a broader culture of giving back within the real estate community.

The Essence of “Realtors Care”: Beyond Transactions

The philosophy behind the “Realtors Care” initiative is deeply rooted in the understanding that real estate professionals are more than just agents facilitating sales; they are integral members of their communities. They are neighbors, volunteers, philanthropists, and often, the first to identify and address local needs. This unique position grants them a privileged insight into the fabric of their communities, enabling them to mobilize resources, inspire action, and effect tangible change.

The Canadian Realtors Care Award specifically seeks to highlight those individuals whose dedication goes above and beyond, demonstrating sustained and significant involvement in charitable work, community projects, and volunteer initiatives. It’s about recognizing the realtors who build stronger communities, one generous act at a time, proving that their impact extends far beyond the homes they help people buy and sell. By championing these individuals, CREA and Realtor.ca aim to underscore the powerful role the real estate sector plays in fostering social responsibility and civic engagement nationwide.

An Inspiring Legacy: The 2023 Recipient, Dale Devereaux

The profound impact of the Canadian Realtors Care Award is perhaps best exemplified by its past recipients. Last year, the honour was bestowed upon Dale Devereaux of Red Deer, Alberta. His story is a powerful testament to the extraordinary lengths realtors will go to support their communities, showcasing a remarkable blend of compassion, leadership, and persistent effort.

Tackling Food Insecurity: The Red Deer Food Bank Partnership

Dale’s extensive volunteer efforts include a vital partnership with the Red Deer Food Bank, where he spearheaded and actively participated in the “Feed a Family at Christmas” campaign. This heartwarming initiative ensured that nearly 30,000 Albertans had access to nutritious meals during the holiday season, a time when many families face heightened financial strain and food insecurity. Dale’s involvement went beyond mere participation; he was a driving force, helping to organize, promote, and execute a campaign that brought comfort and sustenance to thousands. His work with the Food Bank highlights the immediate and critical support realtors can provide to address fundamental needs within their communities, demonstrating a hands-on approach to alleviating hardship.

Bringing Hope to Families: The Ronald McDonald House Project

Perhaps one of Dale Devereaux’s most significant and enduring contributions was his pivotal role in bringing a Ronald McDonald House to his beloved Red Deer community. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provides a vital “home away from home” for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. For families facing unimaginable stress and uncertainty, an RMHC facility offers a sanctuary of comfort, support, and normalcy, allowing them to remain close to their children during challenging medical journeys.

Dale’s dedication to this monumental project was unwavering. He actively participated in the meticulous search for an ideal location, understanding that the accessibility and environment of the house would be crucial to its success. More astonishingly, he played a central role in a fundraising campaign that achieved the seemingly impossible: raising a remarkable $12.1 million within just 15 months for the construction of this life-changing facility. This feat speaks volumes about his leadership, his ability to inspire generosity, and his deep understanding of community needs. The Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer now stands as a lasting legacy of Dale’s vision and tireless commitment, offering a beacon of hope and practical support to countless families for generations to come. His story powerfully illustrates how a single, dedicated individual can galvanize a community to achieve monumental goals that profoundly impact local welfare.

Nominate a Hero: Submitting for the Canadian Realtors Care Award 2024

The opportunity to celebrate another unsung hero is now open! The Canadian Realtors Care Award encourages individuals, colleagues, and organizations to put forward real estate professionals who embody the spirit of community service. Submitting a nomination is a straightforward yet crucial process designed to ensure that the most deserving candidates receive the recognition they merit.

Key Nomination Requirements:

• Thorough History of Community Work: This is the cornerstone of your nomination. Provide a comprehensive narrative detailing your nominee’s community involvement. Go beyond listing activities; describe the impact of their work, the duration of their commitment, their leadership roles, and any innovative approaches they employed. Highlight both long-term dedication and significant individual projects.
• At Least One Letter of Reference from a Registered Charity: A strong letter of reference from a registered charity that has directly benefited from the nominee’s efforts is essential. This letter should corroborate the nominee’s contributions, attest to their character, and elaborate on the positive outcomes of their involvement. It serves as an impartial endorsement of their philanthropic endeavors.
• Supporting Documentation: To further strengthen the nomination, include supporting documentation. This can encompass a wide range of materials, such as (but not limited to):
  • Media coverage (newspaper articles, online features, broadcast segments)
  • Photographs illustrating their involvement in community events or projects
  • Social media posts highlighting their work or the impact of their initiatives
  • Letters of appreciation from community members or organizations
  • Awards or certificates recognizing their past contributions

  These documents provide concrete evidence of the nominee’s dedication and the public recognition of their efforts, painting a vivid picture of their community impact.

Tips for a Compelling Nomination:

To ensure your nominee’s story resonates with the judging panel, consider these points:

• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact whenever possible (e.g., “raised $X,” “volunteered Y hours,” “helped Z individuals”).
• Tell a Story: Weave the details into a compelling narrative that highlights their passion, challenges overcome, and the positive change created.
• Show Long-Term Commitment: Emphasize sustained involvement over many years rather than just isolated incidents.
• Highlight Leadership: Detail instances where the nominee took initiative, organized events, or inspired others.

The deadline for all nominations is **December 1, 2023, at 4 p.m. EST**. Submissions received after this time will not be considered, so we urge all nominators to prepare and submit their applications well in advance. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a light on a deserving realtor.

To learn more about the award details and to submit a nomination, please click here. Your nomination could be the key to celebrating a true community champion.

The Grand Unveiling: A Celebration of Generosity

The highly anticipated recipient of the Canadian Realtors Care Award 2024 will be unveiled at CREA’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled for April 2024. This significant event brings together real estate leaders and professionals from across the country to celebrate industry achievements and discuss future directions. The announcement of the award recipient is always a highlight, bringing national attention to the extraordinary contributions of one individual.

Beyond the honour of national recognition, the award recipient’s chosen favourite charity will receive a substantial $5,000 donation. This financial contribution serves as a powerful testament to the award’s mission, extending the impact of the realtor’s generosity even further. This donation empowers the charity to continue its vital work, creating a ripple effect of good that benefits countless more individuals and families. The public spotlight on both the realtor and their chosen charity also helps raise awareness and encourage further support for worthy causes.

Join the Movement: Real Estate Professionals Building Better Communities

The Canadian Realtors Care Award is more than just an accolade; it is a movement that underscores the profound and positive influence real estate professionals have on their communities. It’s a call to action for every realtor to consider how they can contribute, and for every Canadian to recognize the immense value these professionals bring beyond their business dealings.

We encourage everyone to take part in this inspiring program, whether by nominating a deserving realtor or by simply spreading awareness of the incredible work being done. By celebrating these acts of compassion and dedication, we collectively strengthen the fabric of our communities and foster a culture where caring for others is a cornerstone of professional life. Let’s work together to shine a spotlight on these community pillars and inspire even greater acts of service.

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