From Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. to Oct. 5 at 5 p.m., the World’s Longest Open House will take place at Metric Homes’ model home at 51 Axel Crescent in Stittsville, West Ottawa. 

The event will run continuously for more than 73 hours, offering visitors the chance to tour the new home while helping raise funds and awareness for the children’s charity.

“You can come at 1 a.m. and grab a bowl of popcorn and join the Realtor on their shift,” said Lucas Smith.

According to research conducted by Smith and the organizing team, the current record of 72 hours was set in Colorado in March.

“It’s less about the record and more about the ability to raise funds,” said Smith.

Smith said the fundraising goal is to surpass $10,000. Funds are being raised primarily through corporate sponsors.

“This is more than an open house — it’s about building community, making history, and giving back. It’s for the kids,” said Smith. “We’re inviting everyone to come out, experience this incredible event, and help us support a cause that transforms lives.”

Smith challenges other Realtors to go for the record. He hopes to be back next year with a 74-hour marathon open house. 

Realtors from several brokerages banded together to pull off the event. They include Julian Hyams, Joel Leclerc, Serge Guénette, Tyler Verheul, RJ McComber, Meghan Courtemanche, Shawn McFarlane and Martin Clement.

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Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

CLAR golf tournaments raise over $18K for local shelter charities

The Central Lakes Association of Realtors (CLAR) raised more than $18,000 through two charity golf tournaments in support of 13 local shelter-based charities across the region.

The first tournament was held June 25 at Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax. The second took place Aug. 21 at Black Diamond Golf Club in Pontypool. Both events brought together Rs, community members and supporters for a day of golf and fundraising.

Proceeds will benefit CLAR’s 2025 Charities of Choice, which include A Place Called Home, Denise House, Durham Outlook, Ed’s House Northumberland, Hope and Light Urban Outreach, Hospice Quinte, Hospice Whitby, One City Peterborough, PATH (Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes), Simcoe Hall, Sloane’s House, The Refuge and YWCA Durham.

“These tournaments are about more than just golf — they are about giving back to the communities where our members live and work,” said CLAR CEO Wendy Giroux.

The charities provide shelter, outreach and care services to individuals and families in need.

Calgary Realtors boost housing grants

Calgary Realtors are giving more money to local non-profits that help vulnerable people find and keep housing.

The CREB REALTOR Community Foundation awarded nearly $198,000 in community grants this year — about $80,000 more than in 2024. The money will support housing repairs and renovations through four organizations: the Society for Autism Support and Services, Inn from the Cold, Unison, and Discovery House.

“These organizations are making a meaningful difference every single day, transforming lives and strengthening the communities they serve,” said Christian Twomey, chair of the foundation. “Every CREB Realtor contributes to the foundation, and they take great pride in giving back to their city by helping charities who provide safe, stable housing to those who need it most.”

The grants aim to help people stay housed and connected to their communities. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Calgary Real Estate Board and focuses on long-term housing solutions for those in need.

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Releven says it is Canada’s first non-profit (charity-owned and operated) real estate brokerage for faith properties. Its goal is to provide consultation, evaluation, tailored solutions and community impact options for congregations that have made the difficult decision to sell their properties, de Villiers says.

As part of its service, it works with local Realtors. “Releven Realty has designed a ‘work with’ business model, not a ‘compete against’ model to scale nationwide and to partner with the best local real estate salespeople in each city.”

Releven will host an official launch event under its new brand in Cambridge, Ont., on Thursday. 

Founded in 2018 as Trinity Centres Foundation, Releven’s goal is to preserve, restore and repurpose underused faith-based properties into community hubs and affordable housing. This enables church properties to facilitate positive change, while maintaining a secure financial future, its website says.

Releven, which has roots in Quebec and Europe, is secular, with engagement across faith groups.

It has helped transform more than 70 projects over its six-year history.

‘Once a building is gone, it’s gone’

Rising costs and declining attendance have left many faith-based properties underused. One solution is to sell to the private sector, but de Villiers says that often leads to seller’s remorse.

“Once a building is gone, it’s gone. A congregation may sell to a private developer, who knocks the building down and builds a massive condominium with no net benefit to the community. The Girl Scouts, food banks and AA meetings held at the church, all free and programs that make the community better and safer, are gone, and now there are high-end condos on the site,” de Villiers says. 

Instead, Releven looks at any and all possibilities, from selling to redeveloping to creating community hubs. It provides options so a congregation can make decisions with a “lens focused on the legacy of the property going forward,” looking at social and community-positive projects. 

The brokerage’s consulting function examines leasing, redevelopment or sales options, and presents those options to a congregation, smoothing a process that can typically take years. Many agents have been involved in selling churches, which can take years of debate and hand-wringing about what to do with the building, de Villiers says.

Among the biggest challenges for any site are NIMBY (not in my backyard) individuals. However, when Releven is involved, “the amount of NIMBYism is low because everything is done in consultation. We do a lot of listening to the community and congregation,” and provide two to three options for uses and their benefits.

Releven facilitates the process and makes sure the congregation is aware of the opportunities. Ultimately, the decision is congregation-driven, he says. “Most congregations are progressive and want their space to be used.”

The brokerage also finds a local agent who knows the market. In about six years, it has built a network of 20-30 agents across the country, working with industry-standard commissions. Becoming a brokerage helps formalize the process through referral agreements.

“The local agent pays Releven the standard referral fee. It’s clean, fully (Real Estate Council of Ontario) RECO compliant,” de Villiers says. 

Releven’s proceeds go back to supporting Canadian churches.

Conversations lead to community-oriented outcomes

A benefit to agents is that a “ton of due diligence is done for every site before an agent is hired,” making it an easier and quicker process for them.

When churches contact Releven, consultants work with ex-clergy and the arts community to find options.

In some cases, the conversation is about selling, but often it goes something like this, he says: “Actually, in this community, there are no arts spaces. This property would make a good arts hub,” providing the congregation with the opportunity to create something positive.

de Villiers says a United church in Scarborough, Ont. was looking to downsize to a smaller building. Instead, it was sold to The Boys and Girls Club, and the building became a community hub that includes social services. “The congregation has a small space they can use rent-free in return for selling at a discounted price.”

A large centralized church on 1.5 acres in London, Ont. formed a joint agreement with a not-for-profit in Toronto and will build 84 units, 40 per cent of which will be affordable.

Other examples include a church in Edmonton that now also houses a mosque and a church in Kitchener, Ont. that includes five active religious organizations and multi-denominations.

Along with delivering such options as leasing, redevelopment or sales to congregations, the brokerage also provides consultancy for property readiness and maximizing community impact.

After the deal, participating agents don’t brag about getting top dollar for themselves, de Villiers says. Rather, they’re proud of doing what’s best for the community and proud of what the future of the property is.

Now that Releven is registered with RECO, the brokerage plans to ramp up to increase its network of local agents and is actively recruiting.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Sept. 24 with correct information about the church sale in Scarborough. 

Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

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Now, four years later, Power remains as committed, if not more, and enthusiastic about the Homes For Heroes Foundation (H4HF) Kingston Village cause. 

“Our committee worked together on three Ride for Refuge events, garage sales, bake sales, a sign rider program which brought in over $200,000, plus Jackie Blakney and ReMax each raised $100,000, so in total local Realtors have raised over $400,000 working together,” said Power.

Power says she wanted fundraising events to be open to all real estate companies so the Kingston community would know their Realtors are there for them.

While the rider program is on hold (due to difficulties administering it), Realtors from many different companies and other volunteers continue to raise money in other ways.

This year’s committee of volunteers from Sutton Group Masters is Michelle Cifala, Joe Cifala, David Hatt, Kay Langmuir, Ryan Power, and Gail Power. Community members include Kendra Hodgson of KH Realty and Kathy Williams of Williams Auto. Blakney of ReMax Finest Realty recently joined. She raised $100,000 to build one home in memory of her father.

Marco Dipietrantonio and Rob Colangeli of ReMax Finest Realty also raised enough money to build one home.

Supporting veterans beyond housing

The Kingston Village, one of three in Canada, includes 20 tiny homes that offer a private space for each veteran in a park-like setting.

“We have been supporting since before there were shovels in the ground,” Power says.  “When I heard about the project, I wanted to help. Homelessness is a big problem everywhere. Homes For Heroes has found a way to connect with those who have served.”

H4HF was co-founded by David Howard and Murray McCann. Howard’s father, a Navy vet, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and poverty.

The organization’s mission is to end veteran homelessness in Canada by providing a full-service program that includes resources, training, and counselling to help veterans live independently in the long term. 

“It’s not a Band-Aid solution,” Power says. “One must be fully committed to it. A person who wants a hand up will be able to move into a fully furnished tiny home, provided with counselling, support, and guidance. They have a chance to get reconnected and will even have assistance in finding a job.”

To date, the Kingston Village has had 13 graduates, and its houses are full, says Travis Cellini, H4HF veteran services manager.

Continuing the mission with new events

Although it is up and running, funds are still needed for day-to-day operations, Power says. H4HF was created by people who saw a need and wanted to help. It is not government-run and relies on philanthropy.

“We were there from the beginning and are here now to continue the support. Our newest fundraising efforts include a garage sale on Sept. 20 and a new event, the Glimmer Gala, in November. The committee chose Nov. 7 to put the event in front of Remembrance Day and far away from Christmas,” she says, adding the auction items will make good holiday gifts.

“We’re super excited about this event, which will offer dinner, dancing, and entertainment at the renovated Kingston Marriott ballroom.”

Kim Shippey, national director, development for H4HF, says Power has been influential for the mission in Kingston.

Cellini said that having the support of the local real estate agents “opens so many opportunities.”

“Funds that are raised go directly to supporting veteran care right here in Kingston. In addition to the financial support, (Realtors’) businesses rely so heavily on word of mouth, the network of contacts and support they have is truly endless,” he said. “Having local agents supporting our village allows us to access their networks for potential housing for the veterans graduating our program. We are proud and fortunate to have the community support.”

Commissionaires Kingston is one of the major sponsors of the Kingston Village. “We are Canada’s largest employer of veterans and Canada’s only not-for-profit security company. Thirty-five per cent of our employees are veterans and veteran dependants, as well as all of our board members,” says CEO David Patterson, Commissionaires Kingston and Region, who retired from the army in 2017 before joining Commissionaires in 2019. “We have committed to offering employment to any Homes for Heroes residents who are looking for a job.”

The federal government recently announced its support in the form of a $1.9-million investment to combat veteran homelessness in Kingston, but fundraising continues.

It costs $10 million to build each village, plus $450,000 to $500,000 per year per village for operating costs, says Shippey.

The first village was built in Calgary in 2019. In addition to Kingston, there is another village in Edmonton. London and Winnipeg villages are slated for 2026, and future sites include Halifax and Hamilton/Burlington.

The much-needed fundraising continues. For Glitter Gala tickets ($150), visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/glimmer-gala-in-support-of-homes-for-heroes.

For more information about Homes For Heroes Foundation, visit www.h4hf.ca.

“We’re also looking for more volunteers,” says Power. For more information, email Gail Power.

Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

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Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Royal LePage North Heritage Realty raises over $37,000 for women’s shelters

Royal LePage North Heritage Realty proudly announced that its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised over $37,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Every dollar will go directly to YWCA Genevra House in Sudbury and Haven House women’s shelter on Manitoulin Island.

“I am exceptionally proud of our team for far surpassing this year’s fundraising goal and for once again helping make a real difference for local families seeking safe shelter,” said Luc Bock, broker of record.

He added, “We know there is much work to be done in ending intimate partner violence in Canada, but our brokerage is steadfast in our commitment to funding the hope and healing of those affected in our community.”

Royal LePage Royal City Realty raises $37,000 at Summer Soirée for local shelter

Royal LePage Royal City Realty raised $37,000 at this year’s Summer Soirée in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. All funds will go directly to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis to support critical services for women and children escaping intimate partner violence.

The annual event, championed and led by broker of record Jeff Morley, has raised $165,000 since it began in 2018.

“We are deeply grateful to our amazing community for joining us for this elegant evening under the stars, which will truly make a difference in the lives of so many local families,” said Gillian Atkinson, broker/manager. “Our Royal City volunteers, led by Lisa Klempner and a dedicated group of agents, are the magic that makes this event possible.”

EXIT Realty marks $8M milestone through Spirit of EXIT charitable giving

EXIT Realty Corp. International has surpassed $8 million in donations through its Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, highlighting the company’s dedication to community impact across North America.

“This milestone is a testament to the collective generosity and passion of our EXIT family, who continuously seek out ways to make a difference beyond real estate,” said Tami Bonnell, co-chair of EXIT Realty.

The program matches funds raised by local offices to support causes meaningful to them. In 2024, donations supported children, community programs, medical support, veterans, Habitat for Humanity, medical research, cancer initiatives and animal welfare.

A portion of each transaction fee is held in trust and matched up to $3,000 per initiative.

“Since stepping into the directorship earlier this year, I’ve seen firsthand the courage and heart behind these efforts,” said Sharron Richardson, vice-president of broker services. “Their commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities is truly inspiring.”

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Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Calgary Dream Centre receives $1-million grant for women’s housing development

The CREB Realtor Community Foundation has awarded a $1-million Legacy Grant to the Calgary Dream Centre to support the development of affordable housing for vulnerable women and mothers with children.

The grant will fund Erlton House, a three-storey, 56-unit housing project that includes full amenities, communal gathering spaces, green areas and an outdoor play zone. Construction aims to provide not just shelter, but a supportive environment where residents can rebuild their lives with dignity.

“The Calgary Dream Centre is making meaningful strides toward creating safe, affordable housing that directly addresses urgent needs in our community,” said Christian Twomey, foundation chair.

Craig Hill, CEO of the Calgary Dream Centre, said the grant “will open doors of hope and opportunity for those seeking stability and belonging.”

Funds will be delivered over three years, with the final instalment in 2027. Completion of the Erlton House project is expected the same year.

Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation names new chair, commits $350,000 to youth programs

The Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation (FVRCF) has announced the election of a new board of directors and plans to award more than $350,000 in grants to local organizations supporting at-risk youth in 2025.

Veteran Surrey Realtor David Herman has been appointed Chair of the Board. With over 40 years of experience in real estate and a strong track record of leadership—including terms as Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, the B.C. Real Estate Association, and service with the Canadian Real Estate Association—Herman brings deep governance knowledge and a passion for community service.

“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair and work alongside a passionate and visionary team of directors,” Herman said. “We will build on the legacy of our founding and outgoing Chairs, whose dedication has created real change for at-risk youth.”

The Foundation expressed gratitude to outgoing board members for their service, recognizing their lasting contributions.

In 2025, FVRCF will continue its annual bursary program, awarding $1,000 to every public and alternative high school in the Fraser Valley. Additional funds will go to youth-focused organizations offering programs in education, support, and empowerment.

Pembroke charity garage sale raises $3,000 for women and children in need

Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates hosted its first annual Charity Garage Sale, raising more than $3,000 in support of local women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.

The event, held in Pembroke, saw volunteers come together to collect and sell donated goods, with all proceeds benefiting Bernadette McCann House for Women through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

“It’s always very special for us when a new fundraiser sees such incredible success in their local community,” said Carly Neill, fundraising and communications manager with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “We sincerely thank the team at Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates for the safety, hope and healing these proceeds will fund.”

The foundation supports women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention programs nationwide.

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Jordana Springgay

Jordana is the editor of Real Estate Magazine. You can reach her by email. 

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Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

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