K-W REALTORS® assist the Food Bank of Waterloo Region

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (February 21, 2012) – Today Sara Hill, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) presented The Food Bank of Waterloo Region Board President Michael Dye and Executive Director Wendi Campbell with a cheque for $6,950.

“REALTORS® have been proud supporters of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and the important services they have provided for over 15 years,” said Sara Hill, President of the KWAR, noting that this gift represents the association’s largest single donation to The Food Bank yet.

“The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is able to help approximately 27,000 people each year because of the generosity of neighbours like the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS®,” said Michael Dye, President of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors.   “With each gift of $100 The Food Bank of Waterloo Region can acquire and distribute food so another 80 people will have a full day without hunger. We are very grateful to Kitchener-Waterloo’s REALTORS® for showing their continued compassion for others in the community.”

Each week The Food Bank through its affiliated community food assistance programs will provide food hampers to 460 families with children and 430 individuals without children. Community meals will be served to 650 individuals. Understanding the root of each person’s problems whether it be lack of employment, personal health or poverty is difficult, but understanding that people are not themselves when they are hungry is far more comprehensible.

”My ex-husband was paying child support but has lost his job; so now it makes it harder for me to make it through the month. Today at lunch we picked through the fridge and freezer for food; whether it went together or not – we just ate it since it’s all we had. As a parent it’s really hard because you feel like you’re not providing well.”   This story was shared by a single mother of 3 children.

Since 1993 the KWAR has donated well in excess of half a million ($500,000) dollars to support local charities.  REALTORS® believe that healthy communities depend on a strong economy, safe neighbourhoods, a clean environment, access to housing and the protection of rights of property owners. The KWAR recognizes the need to support and enhance the Quality of Life enjoyed by residents of Waterloo region.