Royal LePage Shelter Foundation raises over $400,000 with National Garage Sale

TORONTO, May 26, 2011 – On May 14, 2011, Royal LePage offices across the country hosted the 3rd Annual National Garage Sale for Shelter. Thanks to their dedication, creativity and hard work, and the support of local community members, the event set a new record by raising more than $400,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

In Invermere, Royal LePage Rockies West Realty raised $1,700 for a three year total contribution of $4,400 for the Family Resource Centre.

“Because of the funds raised at the National Garage Sale for Shelter, women and children who have experienced family violence have a safe place to stay, a refuge from the worry and fear,” said Shanan Spencer-Brown, Executive Director of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “Each year, this event raises awareness of the issue of family violence and shows that we can all make a difference.”

Every dollar raised 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.

"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 Chief Executive 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.”

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 contributions and the fundraising activities of the Royal LePage network, we have raised $12 million 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 long-term violence prevention and education programs. All funds raised by Royal LePage offices remain in their local community and because Royal LePage pays the costs of administration, one hundred percent of all money and effort goes toward this important cause.

For more information, visit www.royallepage.ca/shelter.