For years, dedicated Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) members and staff have been working on the development of a charitable foundation. Indeed, the Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (the Foundation) had its beginnings over 50 years ago with the foresight of five former FVREB presidents. In 1969, they personally purchased 3.6 acres of land adjacent to the Board’s property and, years later, sold this land to the FVREB for their original purchase price, with explicit instructions that the property be used for the benefit of the community.

Today, the proceeds from the sale of that very property have been endowed and will benefit the communities served by the FVREB through the Foundation in perpetuity. In particular, the Foundation has identified its mission, which is to support marginalized and vulnerable youth.

In designing its logo, we knew that we wanted our purpose to take centre stage. Although we knew it was important to feature the Fraser Valley and Realtors, the design of the logo reflects the Foundation’s mission and vision – it really is all about our communities’ youth.

With the finalization of the Foundation’s logo and homepage, we are now even closer to launching publicly. In early 2023, we will be inviting local charities that are working directly with vulnerable and marginalized youth to apply for a grant from the Foundation. Successful grants will be reviewed by a volunteer selection committee made up of FVREB members representing each of the regions supported by the Board.

Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering by emailing us at info@fvrcf.ca. We will be looking for volunteers for the Granting Committee, fundraising events, or on a potential future bursary committee.

Alternatively, monetary donations are gratefully accepted. At this time of year, many Realtors are interested in a tax deduction which a charitable donation would provide. All gifts made online or mailed to the FVREB office on or before December 31 2022 will be eligible for a 2022 charitable receipt. Your gift will go down in history as one of the first ever made to the Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Thank you, in advance, for your generous support.

A sincere thank you to everyone who has made the establishment of the Foundation possible. From the leadership, generosity, and foresight of those five former Presidents to the staff and Realtors who have been working hard behind the scenes for so many years – thank you! You have all made this historic moment possible.

John Barbisan

Chair, FVRCF