National Garage Sale for Shelter raises more than $400,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
Every dollar raised supports local women’s shelters and programs to end family violence
TORONTO, May 30, 2012 – While searching for bargains on Mother’s Day weekend, thousands of delighted shoppers across the country not only found great deals, they helped save the lives of women and children seeking an escape from family violence.
On May 12, 2012, Royal LePage offices in every province hosted the 4th Annual National Garage Sale for Shelter. Thanks to their dedication, creativity and hard work, and the support of sponsors and local community members, this year’s event raised over $400,000 and led to a new milestone — $1.2 million has now been raised at the National Garage Sale for Shelter since its inception in 2009.
“With the funds raised at the National Garage Sale for Shelter, women’s shelters are able to offer a welcoming place for women and children seeking a refuge from violence, providing them with safety and a chance for a new beginning” said Shanan Spencer-Brown, Executive Director of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “With the rising costs of hydro, gas and food, and with increasing numbers of women and children seeking help, shelters need our support more than ever before.”
Every dollar of the $400,000 raised this year at the National Garage Sale for Shelter supports local women’s shelters, as well as prevention and education programs to help stop the cycle of family violence. One hundred percent of funds raised in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation goes directly to the cause because Royal LePage underwrites the administrative costs and sponsors cover event expenses.
A special thank you goes out to our extraordinary sponsors: TD Canada Trust Mobile Mortgage Specialists (National Presenting sponsor), Atlas Van Lines Canada (In-kind Moving and Transportation sponsor) and Advance Commission Company of Canada (Major Event sponsor). Their generous support and unparalleled commitment to our cause made this event possible.
“Helping You Is What We Do™ is not just a tagline, it is our corporate philosophy and it translates into a collective commitment to giving back to the community,” said Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage. “Royal LePage professionals are tireless in their efforts to create safer homes and safer communities through the Shelter Foundation and the National Garage Sale for Shelter.”
About the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to supporting women’s shelters and ending violence against women and children. Through agent commission donations and the fundraising activities of the Royal LePage network, we have raised over $14 million since 1999 to help provide a safe haven and new beginnings to more than 30,000 women and children each year. To break the cycle of violence, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation also supports violence prevention and education programs. All funds raised by Royal LePage offices remain in their local community and because Royal LePage covers the Shelter Foundation’s administrative costs, one hundred percent of all money and effort goes toward this important cause.
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For more information please contact:
Michael Gotzamanis
Fleishman-Hillard
Office: 416-598-5788
Cell: 416-312-6251
michael.gotzamanis@fleishman.ca
Shanan Spencer-Brown
Executive Director
Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
Office: 416-510-5750
shanansb@royallepage.ca
