The local realtors' association is starting its 100th birthday off by supporting a national cause.
The Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors (WECAR) kicked off its centennial celebration with a ceremony Thursday at its Windsor headquarters. Their first order of business was setting aside a donation to help those affected by the Humboldt bus tragedy.
Area realtors, many wearing hockey jerseys and most wearing Humboldt Broncos pins, attended the donation announcement, which WECAR President Daniel Hofgartner is part of a national effort on the part of realtors.
"WECAR realtors and realtors across Canada are responding," says Hofgartner. "This commitment will also carry a challenge from myself to every other realtor association across Canada to match our donation."
The $5,000 sum will be presented at the Canadian Real Estate Association's annual general meeting this weekend.
The donation is the first of many events planned by the association, which officially turns 100 Thursday. It was begun by a group of real estate agents from Windsor, Walkerville, Ford City and Sandwich as the Border Cities Real Estate Board.
Community involvement has been a hallmark of the association from the beginning, according to Hofgartner.
"Over the years, our commitment to champion community needs has grown significantly, inspiring increased fundraising, community service, volunteerism and mentoring by our 972 members," says Hofgartner.
WECAR plans to thank the community for its century of existence with an appreciation day on May 26 at the Ciociaro Club. WECAR will also travel to events across Windsor-Essex this summer with a special road-show trailer.