As the holiday season approaches, families across Toronto and beyond are looking for ways to make their homes feel festive, cozy and uniquely theirs. 

At Toste & Co, we know that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with laughter, creativity and personal touches. That’s why we’ve curated a list of kid-friendly holiday crafts that not only spark joy but also double as charming seasonal decor. 

These projects are simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for creating lasting memories with your little ones. 

1. Paper Snowflake Garlands 

Supplies: 

- White printer paper or coffee filters 

- Scissors 

– String or ribbon 

- Tape or glue 

Instructions: 

1. Fold a square piece of paper into quarters, then diagonally into a triangle. 

2. Cut small shapes along the edges; triangles, half-circles, and slits work well. 

3. Unfold to reveal a unique snowflake. 

4. Repeat to make several snowflakes. 

5. Attach each snowflake to a string using tape or glue, spacing them evenly. 

6. Hang across windows, mantels, or doorways for a frosty touch. 

Pro Tip: Use glitter glue or metallic markers to add sparkle! 

2. Salt Dough Ornaments 

Supplies: 

- 2 cups flour 

- 1 cup salt 

- 1 cup warm water 

- Rolling pin 

- Cookie cutters 

- Straw 

- Acrylic paint 

- Ribbon or twine 

Instructions: 

1. Mix flour, salt, and water in a bowl until a dough forms. 

2. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. 

3. Cut shapes using cookie cutters. 

4. Use a straw to poke a hole at the top of each ornament. 

5. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2–3 hours until hard (depending on the oven, best to keep checking on it). 

6. Once cool, paint and decorate. 

7. Thread ribbon through the hole and hang on your tree or wreath. 

Pro Tip: Add cinnamon to the dough for a warm holiday scent. 

3. Mason Jar Snow Globes 

Supplies: 

- Clean mason jars with lids 

- Small figurines (trees, snowmen, etc.) 

- Waterproof glue 

- Distilled water 

- Glycerin (optional, for slower snow fall) 

- Glitter 

Instructions: 

1. Glue figurines to the inside of the jar lid and let dry. 

2. Fill the jar almost to the top with water. 

3. Add a few drops of glycerin and a teaspoon of glitter. 

4. Screw the lid on tightly. 

5. Shake gently to watch the snow swirl! Pro Tip: Use hot glue around the lid for extra sealing and safety. 

4. Holiday Luminaries 

Supplies: 

- Brown paper lunch bags 

- Holiday-themed stencils 

- Pencil 

- Scissors or craft knife 

- Battery-operated tea lights 

Instructions: 

1. Trace holiday shapes (stars, trees, snowflakes) onto the front of each bag. 

2. Carefully cut out the shapes. 

3. Place a tea light inside each bag. 

4. Line them along your walkway, windowsill, or mantle for a cozy glow. 

Pro Tip: Decorate the bags with stickers or stamps for extra flair. 

5. Mini Mitten Garland 

Supplies: 

- Felt sheets in various colours 

- Scissors 

- Needle and thread or fabric glue 

- Ribbon or string 

- Clothespins (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Cut out mitten shapes from felt; two per mitten. 

2. Sew or glue the edges together, leaving the top open. 

3. Decorate with buttons, sequins, or fabric paint. 

4. Clip or tie each mitten to a ribbon to create a garland. 

5. Hang across a fireplace or staircase railing. 

Pro Tip: Tuck small treats or notes inside each mitten for a countdown calendar! 

Holiday Magic 

Crafting together isn’t just about creating decorations; it’s about building memories. These projects encourage creativity, teamwork and seasonal joy. Plus, they add a personal touch to your home that store-bought decor simply can’t match. 

At Toste & Co, we believe the best homes are the ones filled with heart. Whether you're celebrating in your forever home or preparing to find your next one, these crafts are a beautiful way to make the season special.

Why September Is Prime Time for Family Moves 

As children return to classrooms and parents resume routines, September marks more than just the start of a new school year—it’s also a strategic moment in the Canadian real estate calendar. For families, the back-to-school season often doubles as a key window for relocation, driven by one powerful factor: school catchment areas. 

The Catchment Area Effect 

School catchment areas are geographic zones that determine which school a child is eligible to attend. This has become one of the most influential forces in family home buying across Canada. Parents are increasingly prioritizing access to high-performing schools, often willing to pay a premium or compromise on other home features to secure a spot in a desirable district. 

Key impacts of catchment areas on buying decisions are: 

- Property Value Premiums: Homes within top-rated school zones often command higher prices and sell more quickly. 

- Limited Inventory: Demand spikes in these areas, especially in late summer and early autumn, creating competitive markets. 

- Long-Term Planning: Families may purchase years in advance to ensure future access to preferred schools. 

Timing Moves Around the Academic Calendar 

The academic calendar doesn’t just shape children’s routines—it shapes real estate strategy. 

Families often aim to move in late summer or early autumn to: 

- Minimize Disruption: Starting the school year in a new home helps children settle into routines and build social connections. 

- Align with Enrolment Deadlines: Many school boards have strict registration cutoffs tied to residency. 

- Capitalize on Market Cycles: While spring is traditionally hot for real estate, autumn offers a second surge—especially for family-focused buyers. 

Emotional & Practical Drivers 

Beyond logistics, the emotional weight of school choice plays a major role. Parents view education as a cornerstone of opportunity, and buying a home becomes an investment in their child’s future. This mindset fuels urgency and decisiveness in September, as families race to align their housing with academic goals. 

What This Means for Sellers & Agents 

For Canadian real estate professionals, understanding the back-to-school buying mindset is key: 

- Highlight School Proximity: Listings near reputable schools should emphasize catchment details. 

- Market in Late Summer: Target family buyers with tailored messaging in August and September. 

- Educate Buyers: Help families navigate school district boundaries and enrollment policies. 

Final Thoughts 

September isn’t just about pencils and planners—it’s about property. As families prioritize education, school catchment areas become powerful motivators for relocation. The result? A seasonal surge in family-focused home buying that reshapes neighbourhoods and drives demand. 

Whether you're a parent planning a move or a seller looking to attract the right buyer, understanding the academic calendar’s influence on Canadian real estate can make all the difference.

We at Toste & Co are always ready to help and discuss your next family move with keeping academic goals in mind! 

As a realtor, I understand the importance of a warm and loving home. This Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate with a craft and recipe that brings the whole family together? With a little creativity and some heartwarming activities, you can make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable without leaving the comfort of your home. 

Craft: DIY Heart-Shaped Home Decorations 

Materials Needed 

- Cardstock or construction paper (various colours)
 - Scissors
- Glue or double-sided tape
- String or ribbon
 - Markers, stickers, and other decorative items 

Instructions

1. Create Heart Templates: Start by drawing different sizes of heart shapes on cardstock or construction paper. These will be your templates for the decorations.

2. Cut Out the Hearts: Carefully cut out the hearts using scissors. You can create a mix of large, medium, and small hearts. 

3. Personalize the Hearts: Let each family member decorate the hearts with markers, stickers, glitter, and other decorative items. Write sweet messages, draw patterns, or add photos of loved ones to make them extra special. 

4. Assemble the Garland: Once all the hearts are decorated, use glue or double-sided tape to attach them to a piece of string or ribbon. Space them out evenly and secure them firmly. 

5. Hang Your Creation: Find a cozy spot in your home to hang the heart garland, such as above the fireplace, along a staircase railing, or in the entryway. It will add a festive touch to your home and remind you of the love you share as a family. 

Recipe: Heart-Shaped Mini Pizzas 

Ingredients

- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
 - Tomato sauce
 - Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
 - Pepperoni slices or other favourite toppings
 - Olive oil
 - Flour (for dusting) 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. 
2. Cut Out Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out mini heart-shaped pizza bases from the rolled dough. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a knife to carefully shape the dough into hearts. 
3. Add Toppings: Place the heart-shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each heart, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add your favourite toppings.
4. Bake the Pizzas: Brush the edges of the dough with a little olive oil to help them turn golden brown. Bake the mini pizzas in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the pizzas cool slightly before serving. Gather around the table and enjoy your delicious, heart-shaped creations together. 

 Celebrate Love in Every Corner of Your Home

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and togetherness at home. By creating heart-shaped decorations and enjoying homemade mini pizzas, you can make lasting memories with your family. As a realtor, I know that the true heart of a home lies in the moments you share and the love you cultivate within its walls. Happy Valentine’s Day!

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of multi-generational living is making a strong comeback. More families are choosing to live under one roof, bringing together grandparents, parents, and children. This lifestyle offers numerous benefits, from financial savings to strengthened family bonds. In this blog, we'll explore the many advantages of multi-generational homes and why this living arrangement is gaining popularity. 

1. Financial Savings 

One of the most significant benefits of multi-generational living is the potential for financial savings. By combining resources, families can reduce the overall cost of living. Shared expenses such as mortgage or rent, utilities, and groceries can lead to substantial savings for all household members. Additionally, families can avoid the high costs associated with senior care facilities by caring for elderly relatives at home. 

2. Strengthened Family Bonds

Living in a multi-generational home fosters close-knit family relationships. It provides opportunities for family members to spend quality time together, share experiences, and support each other. Grandparents can build strong connections with their grandchildren, passing down wisdom and family traditions. Parents can benefit from having additional support in raising their children, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone. 

3. Shared Responsibilities

In a multigenerational household, responsibilities can be shared more evenly among family members. Household chores, caregiving duties, and other tasks can be distributed based on individual strengths and availability. This collaborative approach not only eases the burden on any one person but also teaches valuable life skills and promotes a sense of teamwork within the family. 

4. Enhanced Emotional Support

Having family members close by provides a built-in support system. During challenging times, whether it's dealing with health issues, job loss, or personal struggles, family members can offer emotional support and practical assistance. This sense of security and belonging can improve mental and emotional well-being for everyone in the household. 

5. Improved Quality of Life for Seniors

For elderly family members, living in a multi-generational home can significantly enhance their quality of life. They can enjoy the comfort and familiarity of being surrounded by loved ones rather than living in an unfamiliar senior care facility. Additionally, seniors can contribute to the household by helping with childcare or other tasks, giving them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

6. Increased Safety and Security

Multi-generational homes can offer increased safety and security for all family members. Having multiple adults in the home means that someone is usually present, reducing the risk of accidents or emergencies going unnoticed. Seniors can receive immediate help if they experience health issues, and children benefit from the added supervision and care provided by their grandparents. 

7. Diverse Learning Opportunities 

Living with family members from different generations provides unique learning opportunities for everyone. Children can learn from the experiences and stories of their grandparents, gaining a broader perspective on life. Seniors can stay engaged and mentally active by interacting with younger family members and staying current with new technologies and trends. 

8. Efficient Use of Space

Multi-generational living promotes efficient use of living space. Larger homes can be fully utilized, preventing areas from going unused. Homeowners can consider renovating or reconfiguring their homes to create separate living spaces or suites for added privacy and comfort. This approach maximizes the functionality of the home and can even increase its value. 

9. Cultural Preservation 

For families with strong cultural traditions, multi-generational living helps preserve cultural heritage. Grandparents can pass down customs, languages, and traditions to younger generations, ensuring that cultural values are maintained and celebrated within the family. This shared cultural experience enriches the lives of all family members and strengthens their sense of identity. 

10. Flexibility and Adaptability 

Multi-generational homes offer flexibility and adaptability to changing family dynamics. As the needs of family members evolve, the living arrangements can be adjusted to accommodate new circumstances. Whether it's welcoming a new baby, caring for an aging relative, or providing temporary support during a transition, multi-generational homes can adapt to meet the needs of the family. 

The benefits of multi-generational homes are numerous and far-reaching. From financial savings and strengthened family bonds to enhanced emotional support and cultural preservation, this living arrangement offers a holistic approach to family life. As more families recognize the advantages of living together, multi-generational homes are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Embracing this lifestyle can lead to a richer, more fulfilling family experience, where every generation contributes to and benefits from the shared household

Living in a small space can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make your home feel larger and more comfortable. Whether you're in a cozy apartment or a compact house, maximizing your space is all about smart design choices and creative solutions. Here are eight proven tips to help you make a small space feel larger and more open. 

1. Use Light Colours

Light colors can make a room feel more spacious and airy. Opt for neutral tones like whites, beiges, and light grays for your walls, ceilings, and larger pieces of furniture. These colours reflect light, creating a sense of openness. You can add pops of colour through accessories like cushions, rugs, and artwork to keep the space from feeling too sterile. 

2. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture 

In a small space, every piece of furniture should serve multiple purposes. Look for items like sofa beds, ottomans with storage, and fold-out dining tables. Multi-functional furniture helps you save space without sacrificing functionality. It's also a great way to keep your home organized and clutter-free. 

3. Maximize Vertical Space 

When floor space is limited, think vertically. Use tall bookshelves, wall-mounted storage units, and hanging organizers to make the most of your vertical space. This not only provides extra storage but also draws the eye upward, giving the impression of higher ceilings and a larger room. 

4. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors can work wonders in making a small space feel larger. Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and create the illusion of additional space. Mirrored furniture and decor can also add a touch of elegance while enhancing the sense of openness in the room. 

5. Keep it Clutter-Free

Clutter can make any space feel cramped and overwhelming. Keep your home tidy by regularly decluttering and organizing your belongings. Invest in storage solutions that help you keep things out of sight, such as baskets, bins, and hidden cabinets. A clean, uncluttered space will always feel larger and more inviting. 

6. Choosing the Right Furniture Size

Scale is crucial in a small space. Oversized furniture can dominate the room and make it feel cramped. Instead, choose pieces that are appropriately sized for the space. Consider furniture with exposed legs, which can create a sense of openness and make the room feel less crowded. 

7. Let in Natural Light 

Natural light can make a significant difference in how spacious a room feels. Keep window treatments light and airy to allow maximum sunlight to enter. Avoid heavy drapes or dark blinds that block out light. If privacy is a concern, consider using sheer curtains or frosted glass instead. 

8. Create Defined Zones 

In an open-plan space, creating defined zones can help organize the area and make it feel larger. Use rugs, furniture arrangement, and lighting to delineate different areas, such as the living room, dining area, and workspace. This organization helps prevent the space from feeling chaotic and enhances functionality.

By implementing these eight proven tips, you'll transform your small space into a more open, inviting, and functional area. Remember, it's not about the size of your space, but how you use it. Embrace these strategies and watch your home become a sanctuary of comfort and style. 

The weather is getting a little cooler but that does not mean that family fun can’t be done in the Fall season.

Here are my top five family friendly activities that you can check out this Fall.  

NHL Centennial Exhibit At The Hockey Hall of Fame
The limited-time NHL Centennial Exhibit is a comprehensive tribute to the players and teams of the National Hockey League from 1917-2017. This exhibition pays homage to 100 years of NHL hockey, highlighting the most memorable players and moments in league history. The NHL’s 100 Greatest Players, as selected by an NHL-appointed panel are featured through treasured artifacts and video vignettes. This is a must see exhibit and it is only available until December 31, 2017.

Scarborough, Look Again!
Scarborough Museum has an outdoor exhibit which highlights people of Scarborough who have helped shape Canada over the past 150 years. Find out about the hidden heroes whose choices and voices have made an impact both in the community and on a larger scale.
This exhibit is presented as part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto’s year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions honouring Canada’s 150th birthday.
This is a must see exhibit which is free and is only available until October 31, 2017.

Brooks Farms Fall Fun Festival
For over a decade, Brooks Farms hosts an awesome Fall Fun Festival that gets bigger and better every year. You can go out and enjoy the beautiful autumn season Brooks Farms style! There are games, farm animals, an adventurous playground, a corn maze, farm market and so much more.
The Fall Fun Festival is on weekends and ends on November 5, 2017.

Cirque Du Soleil: VOLTA
For this new production, Cirque Du Soleil collaborated with international artist M83 as the composer and musical director, adding his epic space-age future pop sound to the VOLTA stage for the first time. The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show. VOLTA is Cirque du Soleil’s 41^st original production since 1984, and its 18^th show presented under the Big Top.
Sounds like another great production by Cirque Du Soleil and it will only be available until November 12, 2017.

Butterflies of India & South Asia at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Discover thousands of freely flying butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory, including a special exhibition of Butterflies of India and South Asia. Butterflies to look for include the Lime Swollowtail, the Blue Clipper, the Malay Cruiser, and many more. This special exhibition of free flying Indian and South Asian butterflies is in conjunction with Ornamenting the Ordinary: Crafts of South Asia, a travelling exhibit from the Royal Ontario Museum, on display in the galleries. This is on for a limited time until January 2, 2018 so you don’t want to miss it if you love butterflies.

There you have it, my top five family friendly activities to do this Fall! If you have enjoyed any of these events, feel free to leave a comment below on how it was for you and your family.
 

Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club Empowering The Community For 60 Years

“To provide a safe and supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.” – Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club

That is the mission statement to the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club and it is an empowering one as they have been a pivotal part of the community that they serve.


So what does the Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club do?
They have programs and services for children and youth such as the After School Evening Drop in Programs and Saturday Program, Safe Walk, SMILE, Lifesaving Society Swimming Lessons, Kids Korner Daycare, Tots Program, KickStart Program, Teens Program, Summer Camp and PD Day/March Break/Holiday Camps.
These programs offer children and teens in the community the opportunity to access resources and supports to enable them to overcome barriers and achieve their positive potential life; no matter their economic, cultural and social backgrounds.


 
“I made a new friend” - Eden
There is always something new and exciting happening at the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club, for example, they launched the Teaching Garden at Dovercourt Park. This garden is to provide children with a deeper understanding of where their food comes from. This program is not only teaching the entire process of gardening but it is also teaching life skills along the way! To learn more about this program, feel free to check out their latest newsletter for further details. 



The Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club offers so much for the community at a large. One particular event that they do that supports families is their Hamper event. This event is where they combine goods that a family would need over the holidays such as food into a hamper and then these are delivered to families in need in the community on Christmas Eve. It is such a great event and the whole community comes together to help out.
This organization does so much that the best way to see their impact is by volunteering and getting to know them at a deeper level. I know that I am always impressed with every interaction I have with them. It has been 60 years of hard work to ensure children and teens know that they can achieve anything.
“This year we are celebrating the achievement of serving our communities for 60 years. Every year, we work to be innovative in our programming that aims to stimulate growth and empowerment in our members, ages 4 to 17. We operate with our vision and core values in mind, and we hope our members leave our organization with a sense of belonging and purpose in society. You can support the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club through donations or volunteering your time – we would love to meet you!”
– Sheldon Taylor, Executive Director, Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club



If you would like to learn more or would like to volunteer, please contact them as you won’t regret it! Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to see their work in action and to see the lives that are touched by the work that they do.
I know that I am always touched to see the empowering of lives and the enriching of the community through the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club. Thank you Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club for all that you do! 

We are in the prime of summer as August has already started and many start squeezing in some more family fun before the start of the school year.

Here are my top five family friendly activities in Toronto that you can check out before the end of summer.  

Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story
This special exhibition is being offered by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) located at 100 Queen’s Park in Toronto. This exhibit retells the tragic story of 2014 with the Blue Whale. You will be able to get a close up to one of the world’s most mysterious, and largest animals ever. Come face to face with the enormous eighty- foot skeleton of Blue, and discover the mind-blowing biology of blue whales; the humongous size of their heart, their unusual feeding behaviour, how they communicate and their evolution from land to see. This is a must see exhibit and it is only available until September 4, 2017.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
This is a classic favorite and one that signifies the end-of-summer tradition. This year the CNE is open from August 18 to September 4 and it is gearing up for another fun-filled season.
There is always so much to do at the CNE such as the Midway games to the farm and Sky Ride. There are also great shows and food to try! You definitely don’t want to miss all that they have to offer this August.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is located in the heart of downtown Toronto. It is a fairly new attraction in Toronto and it offers a facility that you can experience the undersea world in a safe environment. Their mission is “to provide a world class experience that will foster education, conservation, and research, while providing fun and entertainment for locals and tourists of all ages.”

There are 16,000 aquatic animals with North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million liters of water and over 100 interactive opportunities. You can also get up close and personal with three touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and rays. There is also daily dive shows every 2 hours. So you can say that there is a whole lot that you can do!

Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is a 330-acre theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario, which is north of Toronto. The park first opened in 1981 as the first major theme park in Canada and remains as the country’s largest. There is so much to do there such as rides, games, live shows, street festivals, special events, food and much more. It truly is a wonderland that your family will love to do! 

Wildlife Rescue at the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is located at 770 Don Mills Road in Toronto and it is offering an eye-opening, inspiring and wildly interactive experience for all ages called, Wildlife Rescue.
Journey to Africa and Indonesia at the Return to the Wild theatre and witness the dedicated efforts of caretakers who successfully raise and release young elephants and orangutans to the wild.
Explore the innovative ways used to capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild in the Species Recovery Center. Experiment with puppets, costumes and other techniques used to teach young animals essential survival skills. Take a simulated flight on an ultra-light to guide young whooping cranes along their first migratory route. This is just a little bit of what you can do and learn through this unique experience and it is only available until September 4^th.
 
There you have it, my top five family friendly activities to do in Toronto before the end of summer. Enjoy each day as the summer does go by quickly! 
 

The Royal LePage Commitment to Women and Children in our Communities

“On any given day in Canada, 3,000 women (and their 2,500 children) are living in an emergency shelter to escape family violence^”**

That is an alarming statistic but one that rings true in many of our communities. Violence against women and their children is a significant problem in all communities in Canada. This is why as a member of the Royal LePage Supreme team, we are proud to be working with women’s shelters and our national partners to provide safety and hope to women and children experiencing violence and abuse.

Royal LePage is committed to strengthen the communities where we love and work, Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charitable foundation. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention programs.

By supporting women’s shelters, the foundation is ensuring that women and children have a safe place to go to escape domestic violence. With their national partners, they are able to fund healthy relationship programs for youth and support programs that help women and children heal from their experiences of abuse and rebuild their lives.

Women’s shelters direct the foundation’s funding to meet their greatest needs and priorities. Funds are used to provide critical services such as: trauma counseling; job training and placement; emergency transportation to the shelter; play therapy for children; homework help for youth; renovations to existing shelters; and building new shelters. In some cases, the funds are used to help women and children after they leave the shelter and move into their own accommodations.

To make a meaningful difference at a local level, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation matches Royal LePage offices with a women’s shelter in their community. Ours is the Redwood Shelter in Toronto. We are all passionate about the shelters that we are connected to and we help organize fundraising events such as the National Garage Sale that is usually held before Mother’s Day, a boat cruise and festivals. Also many of our realtors, myself included, donate a portion of the commissions when we help our clients buy or sell a home. All the support stays in the local community and because Royal LePage covers the administrative cost of the foundation, one hundred percent of the fund raised go towards supporting women’s shelters. Since 1998, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has raised more than $24 million. This past spring Royal LePage Supreme was able to raise over $6600 at our annual garage sale.

This cause is one of great importance to me as we are able to help families find their dream homes on a day to day basis and with each sale we are also helping those who do not have a safe and peaceful home through the Foundation’s funding.

If you would like to learn more on the research on family violence please visit, www.canadianwomen.org. If you would like to contribute and make a difference in the lives of the families affected by violence, please visit the secure donation page by clicking here. To check out what events might be happening in your area, click here.

Keep in mind that when using a Royal LePage Supreme realtor to assist you in selling or buying a home is also helping those who are affected by family violence. Please feel free to contact me if you want to get started.

**Canadian Family Violence: A Statistical Profile 2009, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada, page 12**