Vancouver Island Realtors Honored for Exceptional Community Service with Realtors Care Awards
The spirit of giving back and community engagement shines brightly on Vancouver Island, exemplified by four remarkable members of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB). In a special awards luncheon recently held in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Nancy Allwarden, Jillian Dashwood, Ian Mackay, and Dawn Walton were proudly presented with the prestigious Realtors Care Awards. This event, hosted by VIREB in conjunction with its annual general meeting, serves as a vital platform to celebrate and recognize the profound contributions of its members who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise to enriching their local communities. For the ninth consecutive year, Coast Capital Savings demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community initiatives by sponsoring this inspiring event.
The Realtors Care Awards are more than just accolades; they are a testament to the powerful connection between real estate professionals and the vibrant communities they serve. These awards highlight individuals who go above and beyond their professional duties, leveraging their skills, networks, and passion to make a tangible, positive difference. To further amplify the impact of these deserving recipients, VIREB announced a generous donation of $500 to each awardee’s chosen charity, reinforcing the board’s commitment to supporting vital community organizations.
The Enduring Philosophy of Realtors Care: Building Stronger Communities
The real estate profession inherently fosters deep roots within local communities. Realtors are often intimately familiar with the social fabric, economic challenges, and unique needs of the areas where they live and work. This close connection often translates into a profound sense of civic responsibility and a desire to contribute meaningfully beyond property transactions. The Realtors Care philosophy encapsulates this ethos, promoting a culture of volunteerism, charitable giving, and active community participation among real estate professionals across Canada.
Recognizing outstanding community service is crucial for several reasons. It not only provides well-deserved recognition to individuals but also inspires others to get involved, creating a ripple effect of positive action. By shining a spotlight on these dedicated professionals, VIREB reinforces the message that real estate is not just about homes and properties, but also about the people and communities that thrive within them. The financial contributions made to charities chosen by the award recipients ensure that the impact of their volunteer work extends even further, directly benefiting causes close to their hearts and critical to community well-being.
Meet the Distinguished Recipients of the 2024 Realtors Care Awards
Each of the four honorees brings a unique blend of skills, dedication, and passion to their volunteer efforts, making an invaluable difference across Vancouver Island. Their stories are a testament to the power of individual action in creating collective good.
Nancy Allwarden: A Pillar of Support on Quadra Island
Nancy Allwarden, a respected Realtor with Discovery Islands Realty on picturesque Quadra Island, embodies the spirit of community service through her extensive involvement in numerous volunteer boards and organizations. Her commitment to public safety and well-being is particularly evident in her role as an alternate director of Quadra Island Emergency Support Services. Furthermore, Nancy serves as a dedicated dispatcher and an active member of the Quadra Island Fire Department, recently enhancing her capabilities by successfully completing her First Responder course. Her proactive approach to emergency preparedness is a tremendous asset to the island community, ensuring swift and effective responses during critical times.
Beyond emergency services, Nancy dedicates her time to supporting various local groups. She serves as the president of the Old Age Pensioners group on Quadra Island, fostering social connections and advocating for the needs of senior residents. Her organizational skills are also put to good use as the treasurer of the Quadra Photography Club, helping to manage its finances and support local artistic endeavors. In a heartwarming display of compassion, Nancy also takes on the responsibility of looking after a colony of feral cats, demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of all living creatures within her community. Her diverse volunteer portfolio highlights a selfless dedication to the varied needs of Quadra Island residents.
Jillian Dashwood: A Champion for Affordable Housing and Community Building in Ladysmith
For Jillian Dashwood, a Realtor with Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty in Ladysmith, volunteering is not merely an activity but a profound way of life. Her extensive involvement spans a remarkable array of community initiatives, underscoring her commitment to holistic community development. From early childhood education and parenting groups to vibrant community theatre productions, emergency preparedness initiatives, and even municipal politics, Jillian has left an indelible mark on Ladysmith.
Jillian’s impact in the realm of social welfare is particularly noteworthy. While serving on the Ladysmith Town Council, she played a pivotal role in the creation of the Regional Affordable Housing Directorate and the Homelessness Committee. These crucial bodies address pressing societal needs, working towards ensuring safe and affordable housing for all residents. Her dedication to this cause continues unabated, as she remains a steadfast supporter of affordable housing initiatives within the broader Cowichan Valley. Recognizing the importance of safety and civic engagement, Jillian also contributed significantly to establishing the Crime Prevention Action Council and spearheaded a Community Clean-Up team, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and pride in Ladysmith. Her seven years of service as a board member of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce further highlight her commitment to local economic vitality and community leadership.
Ian Mackay: Leveraging Expertise for Hospice Care and Social Support in Oceanside
Ian Mackay, a dedicated Realtor with Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach Realty, exemplifies how professional real estate knowledge and business acumen can be powerfully leveraged for philanthropic endeavors. Ian has generously applied his expertise to assist several local organizations with critical business initiatives, making a substantial difference in their operational capacity and long-term sustainability.
His leadership at the Oceanside Hospice Society stands out as a testament to his impactful volunteerism. As board chair, Ian was instrumental in securing vital multi-year provincial funding, providing much-needed stability and resources for the organization. Furthermore, he initiated a capital improvement fund that has since experienced significant growth, ensuring the hospice’s ability to provide compassionate end-of-life care for years to come. Beyond his strategic leadership, Ian has also tirelessly worked to raise essential funds for a diverse range of charitable organizations. These include the Heart and Stroke Association, the Oceanside Homelessness Task Force, the Shelter Foundation (Haven House), and the Salvation Army Extreme Weather Shelter. His active involvement extends to his current role as co-chair of the Salvation Army Property Search Committee, where he continues to apply his real estate expertise to help the organization find suitable properties to expand its vital community services. Ian’s contributions underscore a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing community health and well-being.
Dawn Walton: A Driving Force for Children’s Health and Community Development in Nanaimo
Dawn Walton, a prominent Realtor with Re/Max Nanaimo, has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to children’s health and broader community development. Her leadership and dedication are particularly evident in her role as an executive member of the Children’s Miracle Network Board of Directors. Through her tireless efforts, Dawn has played a crucial role in empowering her brokerage to achieve an outstanding distinction: becoming the Re/Max office in Western Canada with the highest charitable donations to the Children’s Miracle Network. This remarkable achievement reflects her ability to inspire colleagues and mobilize resources for a cause that profoundly impacts countless families.
Beyond her work with children’s health initiatives, Dawn has also generously donated countless volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity, contributing significantly to building affordable homes in both Nanaimo and Victoria. This hands-on involvement reflects her belief in empowering families through homeownership and fostering sustainable communities. Her diverse philanthropic portfolio includes active participation in cherished local events and programs such as Secret Santa Nanaimo, which brings joy to families during the holiday season, and the ScotiaBank MS Bike Ride, raising funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis research. Furthermore, Dawn has contributed her time and energy to Nanaimo Minor Hockey, the Muffy’s Classic Gold Tournament, the B.C. Summer Games, the Vancouver Island Music Fest, and the City of Nanaimo’s Community Improvement Program. Her wide-ranging volunteer efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to community betterment, touching lives across various demographics and interests.
The Lasting Impact of Realtors Care
The stories of Nancy Allwarden, Jillian Dashwood, Ian Mackay, and Dawn Walton beautifully illustrate the profound impact that dedicated individuals within the real estate profession can have on their communities. Their selflessness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to various causes enrich the lives of countless individuals and strengthen the social fabric of Vancouver Island. By recognizing these exceptional Realtors Care Award recipients, VIREB not only celebrates their accomplishments but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of giving back within the real estate sector.
The Realtors Care Awards serve as an annual reminder that while real estate professionals play a vital role in helping individuals and families achieve their property dreams, their impact often extends far beyond the transaction. They are integral members of their communities, often acting as catalysts for positive change, advocates for those in need, and tireless volunteers who build a better future for everyone. VIREB and its sponsors, like Coast Capital Savings, are proud to support and amplify these invaluable contributions, looking forward to another year of inspiring acts of community service.