Donate online at RapidReliefFund.ca. More options below.
Macdonald Realty Victoria has joined the list of donors to the Rapid Relief Fund, committing to give a portion of its agents’ monthly fees to the cause.
The first monthly contribution of $1,200 has been delivered to the Victoria Foundation, which created the fund along with the Jawl Foundation and the Times Colonist.
Donations will follow each month as Macdonald Realty agents continue to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We saw an opportunity to shift the focus and support our community during this critical time,” said Ara Balabanian, managing broker for Macdonald Realty’s Victoria and Sidney offices.
“Real estate has been deemed an essential service by the B.C. government, so while the doors to our office are closed, we are fortunate to be able to continue offering essential services to clients from our homes.
“Our agents are happy to see a portion of their office fees redirected to support this worthwhile cause.”
Money from the fund helps a wide range of people, including a senior woman with a terminal illness who contacted the Victoria Women’s Transition House Crisis Line after being abused by a family member.
She sought help at the transition house’s emergency shelter, but couldn’t enter a group setting that might compromise her health.
Instead, the transition house used money it had received from the fund to provide her with hotel accommodation where she could receive support and counselling.
Following that, the agency’s Older Women’s Safe Home Program adapted a vacant suite in the transition house building where she has more secure short-term accommodation, along with access to medical services and daily support from a counsellor.
Food and personal items that she needed were also paid for by the fund.
The fund had raised nearly $5.4 million by Wednesday.
HOW TO DONATE
Tax receipts will be issued. If you are open to receiving your tax receipt by PDF, please include an email address with your donation.
• Online: RapidReliefFund.ca
• Phone: 250-381-5532
• Mail: Send cheques
(made out to the Victoria Foundation) to RapidRelief Fund, Victoria Foundation, 200-703 Broughton St., Victoria V8W 1E2
The Rapid Relief Fund was created by the Victoria Foundation, the Jawl Foundation, and the Times Colonist to help people in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. CHEK Television, Coast Outdoor Advertising and Black Press are helping to boost awareness. Every dollar received from donations goes out as grants to the community.
Donations are being distributed through the Victoria Foundation.
