Fraser Valley Realtors Donate $373,000 to Support Local Youth

A significant charitable initiative recently unfolded in the Fraser Valley, where realtors donated a total of $373,000 to various organizations focused on supporting at-risk youth. The Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation (FVRCF) allocated grants to 29 local charities, marking a major milestone as the foundation has now given over $1 million in just three years.

David Herman, chair of the FVRCF, emphasized the importance of these contributions for vulnerable youth. “At-risk youth deserve every chance to thrive, and the charities we are supporting this year are helping make that possible,” he stated. “Reaching the one-million-dollar milestone so quickly is a remarkable achievement and reflects the generosity and commitment of Fraser Valley realtors.”

Supporting Local Charities and Youth Programs

The grants have benefitted several organizations within Langley, including the Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association, Encompass Support Services Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley, and the Boys and Girls Club. The Sources Community Resources Centre Society, which operates the Sources Langley Food Bank, also received funding. Additionally, the Metro Vancouver Parks Foundation, which provides programs in local parks, and the Reach Child and Youth Development Centre, serving youth in Langley, Delta, Surrey, and White Rock, benefited from this financial support.

According to the FVRCF, approximately 24.1 percent of the homeless population in the Fraser Valley consists of individuals under the age of 29. The grants this year are directed towards programs that address education, mentorship, mental health care, and essential life-skills development. Selected organizations were chosen based on their demonstrated effectiveness in aiding youth facing poverty, mental health challenges, instability, and limited opportunities for a healthy future.

The recipient charities offer vital services, including mentorship, educational assistance, counseling, emergency support, and inclusive activities designed to foster resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging among young individuals.

Community Commitment and Foundation Legacy

Fraser Valley realtors have long maintained strong ties to their communities. Tore Jacobsen, chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, remarked on the foundation’s role in addressing local needs. “Our members’ ongoing support makes it possible for the foundation to respond to the needs of local youth in meaningful and timely ways. We’re incredibly proud of the impact this collective effort is having across the region,” Jacobsen said.

The FVRCF was established over half a century ago when five members of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board acquired 3.5 acres of land in Surrey to benefit the community. Years later, the land was sold back to the board with the stipulation that proceeds would fund community initiatives, ultimately leading to the formation of the foundation.

Grants are distributed each December, allowing recipient organizations to incorporate the funding into their budgets for the upcoming year. The FVRCF’s mission remains focused on creating a safe and inspiring environment for marginalized youth in the Fraser Valley.

For more information about the FVRCF and its initiatives, visit www.fvrcf.ca.