Realtors in Action

Many Realtors in communities throughout BC work quietly on behalf of others, often with little or no recognition. We commend the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) for establishing the Realtor of the Year awards program. The award is presented to Realtors who have made an outstanding contribution to their community through volunteer work or fundraising. In this the program's inaugural year, seven industry members were recognized for their work on behalf of charities, individuals, and good causes in their respective communities:

 Doug Anderson  Prudential Sussex Realty, Sechelt
 Dan Cassell  Re/Max of Squamish
 Murphy Costello  Macdonald Realty, Vancouver
 Cathy Emmerson  Re/Max Ridge Meadow Realty, Maple Ridge
 Bill Jenkins  Re/Max Sabre Realty Group, Port Coquitlam
 Dan Morrison  Sutton Group-Seymour Realty, North Vancouver
 Colin Foo  Macdonald Realtors Westmar, Richmond*
*Colin Foo was also named 1999 Greater Vancouver - Realtor of the Year

The real estate industry has a long history of community service. Our newsletter, Foundations for Tomorrow, has featured several Realtors who have given generously of their time, talent, and money to those less fortunate. Their good work has brought great benefit to their communities-shelters for youth-at-risk and transition housing for women are but two examples. Indeed, the Real Estate Foundation, itself, exists because many years ago industry members had the vision and foresight to convince the provincial government that such a foundation would be of benefit to the people of this province.

The need for dedicated volunteers is growing as communities increasingly look to themselves for solutions to many of their problems. The real estate industry can show real leadership in this area. Award programs such as this one can inspire many other Realtors to get involved. We congratulate the seven recipients of the Realtor of the Year award.