Vernon, B.C. – More than 200 children streamed into the Christmas Gift House to find the perfect gifts for the adults in their lives. Tables overflowed with donations of new and gently used knickknacks, kitchen items, tools, jewellery and accessories, which the children could purchase for as little as five cents to as much as $1. Their purchases, along with community donations, raised $800 for People Place and multiple community groups. This is the second year in a row that Sutton Group – Lakefront Realty has organized this special event.
“Nineteen REALTORS® and staff from our office pitched in in some way: wrapping gifts, ‘elfing’ to help the kids shop, in the prep work of collecting and transporting donations and creating gift baskets with all the donated items,” says Tara Sopel, Office Administrator.
Something special happens each year to make the Christmas Gift House a memorable event. Tara recalls that just before 9 a.m., there was already a line-up of 40 families.
“Once we opened the doors and the first wave of kids came in, parents enjoyed some coffee and treats while the little ones were picked up in the waiting area by one of our Elves. Each Elf was in some sort of Christmas hat or outfit so that they were easy to distinguish between shoppers and helpers.” The Elves were volunteers from Sutton Group – Lakefront Realty as well as local high school students.
“It was really great hearing the stories from the kids about each individual they were shopping for and what they meant to that child, whether it be a mom, dad, grandpa, uncle or other care giver. Watching them comb over all the items available for them to purchase for their special adult was very humbling and heart-warming. And seeing some of our own Elves who themselves were just teenage volunteers helping other kids was simply amazing!
Broker Tamara Cinnamon extends her thanks and best wishes for the New Year to the individuals who donated gifts, the businesses who gladly set up collection boxes in their lobbies, and those who made extraordinary contributions including Gerran Thorhaug, who donated gingerbread house kits for each young shopper, and Vernon's Home Hardware, which donated numerous new items to please any handyperson.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 7,000 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.
Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:
Brooke Matthews
604-691-1689
Sutton Group - Lakefront Realty Contact:
Tara Sopel
250-549-3944
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