CALGARY, ALBERTA, MAY 21, 2010 - A housing initiative in northwest Calgary that will provide new support for women and children fleeing domestic violence is reaching a milestone in construction as well as in the capital campaign that will allow it to happen.

Calgary and area REALTORS®, via their Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation have contributed half a million dollars toward the Building for Liberty capital campaign, for the Brenda Strafford Society’s housing initiative, thus becoming the major non-profit partner in the project.

“On behalf of all Calgary and area REALTORS®, the Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation is extremely proud of making this donation and forming a new partnership with the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence,” says Joe Howlett, REALTOR®,  and President of the CREB® Charitable Foundation.  “REALTORS® are very active not only in business in our community but in supporting many diverse charitable groups and causes.  In making the decision to support the Brenda Strafford Society, our Foundation Board was very impressed with the uniqueness and magnitude of this project in providing not only expanded shelter services but affordable housing options, market condos, and commercial development all in one project.  We are very much looking forward to a long association with the Brenda Strafford Society.”

The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence’s new facility is taking shape on 14th Street  NW.

“We are very grateful for this major gift from Calgary REALTORS®,” says Nancy Hammer, chair of the Building for Liberty campaign. “Our new facility is leading the way toward breaking the cycle of domestic violence and requires community support to complete. With this donation we are well on our way to reaching our goal of $4 million. I hope that others will follow the lead of Calgary REALTORS® and join our campaign. We would like to thank REALTORS® and the Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation for their support.”

ABOUT THE PROJECT: The number one reason women stay in abusive relationships is due to the lack of affordable housing options in Calgary.  The new centre is a one of a kind facility and will be completed in December of this year. The uniqueness of this project will not only offer second stage shelter services for six months but also affordable housing for up to two additional years.

“A critical need exists in our community.  Women and children continue to live lives full of domestic violence because of a lack of safe and affordable housing,” says Mario Siciliano, president and CEO of the Brenda Strafford Foundation. “The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence cannot address this issue alone.  Funding partners are essential to be able to bring such large scale solutions to Calgary. Without the help of our many donors, a project of this scale would not be possible.”

The 84,000 square foot development will house a total of 34 second stage shelter apartments, 51 affordable housing apartments, nine market condos and eight retail spaces.

“Domestic violence continues to afflict our community at an alarming rate and women often indicate that the lack of safe affordable housing is a barrier to fleeing abuse. The new facility will help reduce barriers to healthy and independent living, one that is free of abuse, for numerous families,” says Tess Gordey, executive director of the Brenda Strafford Centre. “The support from the Calgary and area REALTORS®, via the Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation, will help make the new facility a reality. Their contribution to our community is invaluable.”

WHY CALGARY REALTORS® ARE COMMITTED TO THIS PROJECT: The mandate of the Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation is to support local shelter-related initiatives. This project will provide safe and affordable housing for a segment of the population who needs it greatly.

Click here for a Backgrounder on the Brenda Strafford Society.

Click here for a Backgrounder on the CREB® Charitable Foundation.

For more information or to book interviews please contact:

Angela Anderson
Communications Coordinator, Calgary Real Estate Board
403.781.1340

Nancy Hammer
Chair, Building for Liberty Campaign
Board Member, Brenda Strafford Centre
403.710.8702

www.calgaryrealtorscare.org


www.brendastraffordsociety.org