Gusting winds, sweltering heat and predictions for thunderstorms didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of local REALTORS®, friends and sponsors at the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington’s (RAHB) 20th annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Held this year at the Beverly Golf and Country Club, RAHB’s Charity Golf Tournament raised $7,022 for two local emergency women’s shelters: Interval House of Hamilton and Halton Women’s Place.
“Each year our organization must raise over $540,000 to offset our financial shortfall,” says Nancy Smith, Executive Director of Interval House of Hamilton. “This year our shelter capacity was at 113%, nearly a 10% increase from last year. The demand for safe emergency shelter for women and their children continues to be high. This money goes directly towards funding the programs and services we offer for women with or without children escaping abuse and violence.”
In addition to their emergency services, both shelters offer outreach and support networks. Interval House of Hamilton has three community-based programs that focus on peer support, counselling and legal advocacy. Halton Women’s Place implements strategies and educational programs that inform and empower women to make decisions about their safety, rights and options.
“We are so thrilled to be part of this great golf tournament,” says Carm Bozzo, Development Manager of Halton Women’s Place. “Events like these don’t just raise much-needed funds for the shelter, but also allow us to raise more awareness on the issue of the abuse of women. The more we can let people know about our shelters and the work we do, the more we can help women who need our services. This generous donation will help us to continue our everyday work of answering crisis calls, providing residential and transitional support and child/youth services.”
Representatives from both Interval House of Hamilton and Halton Women’s Place were on-hand to play in the Charity Golf Tournament and received $2,500 donation cheques at the end of the tournament. Each organization received additional funds once the proceeds were tallied.
“As real estate professionals, we understand the importance of having a safe place to call home,” says RAHB CEO, George O’Neill. “RAHB REALTORS® are proud to support these two community-based shelters.”
The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington believes in assisting local shelter-related organizations in the Greater Hamilton-Burlington. For more information about whether your organization qualifies for a donation, visit www.rahb.ca/givingback.
Photo: RAHB President Lou Piriano presenting Laurie Hepburn from Halton Women’s Place and Nancy Smith from Interval House of Hamilton with a donation cheque.