By Jennifer Britain, Deal Administrator, EXIT Realty Matrix, Brokerage
The CNIB’s (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) motto is to provide guide dogs to anyone who is in need, and cost will not be a factor. I fully support this program and have done research on many other organizations providing guide dogs and this one is at the very top of the list for so many reasons. They have thought of everything to make this program the best of the best. This charity relies on donations to provide visually impaired Canadians with guide dogs at no cost and continues to fund their food and care expenses. This is invaluable for so many visually impaired Canadians, as so many struggle financially as well.
The CNIB Foundation is currently at a critical point in the development of their program and is in urgent need of Canadian born and trained guide dogs. Many people in Canada have had to go out of the country to get a guide dog. I can personally attest to how impactful the receipt of a guide dog was for my son, from independence to companionship, his life is forever changed for the better.
A group from EXIT Realty Matrix, Brokerage in Ontario joined Team Pepper to raise funds via an online campaign. We also prepared a video of Ethan <Jennifer’s son> and Pepper’s <his guide dog’s> story and the need for donations which was shared through social media. The fundraiser began on April 27th, International Guide Dog Day and the fundraising platform ran until May 31st. All proceeds went directly to the CNIB Foundation.
A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through the Spirit of EXIT Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Program, EXIT offices and associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to EXIT’s head office to have those funds matched from the company’s pool of funds. Jennifer and her team hoped to raise $3,000 which EXIT’s head office was proud to match, however they highly exceeded their goal and raised $10,076.50 for a total donation of $13,076.50 to CNIB Foundation.
“Your contribution will help us raise, train, and match guide dogs for Canadians with sight loss waiting for the life changing gifts of freedom, mobility, and independence. Thank you for your generosity,” said Danusha Fernando, Director of CNIB Foundation.