“I believe that there is an impact of real estate that we tend to overlook often, the impact on the environment,” Jim Smardon, Associate Broker with EXIT Realty Metro in Dartmouth, NS, tells. Jim has volunteered his time at events held at the Hope for Wildlife Society (HFW) throughout the year and chose to continue supporting this organization with the help of the Spirit of EXIT.
At the annual Hope for Wildlife Society open house fundraiser, the one time per year the public is allowed inside the buildings to really see what HFW does daily, Jim hosted a water station as well as a raffle and draw with 100% of proceeds going to the organization.
“The constant growth of neighbourhoods and subdivisions is creating a collision between people and wildlife, where it seems wildlife is the main casualty. I’ve finally reached a point in my career where I feel like I can give back, where EXIT can help me make a difference by helping HFW care for injured and orphaned animals. Our donation will help with everything from food and medical supplies, to helping purchase vacant land to use as an animal safe release zone or emergency station/ drop off for the animals in different locations around Nova Scotia. This would be a win/win in my mind, attaching us all to an amazing and beautiful cause,” Jim says.
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. Jim and his team hoped to raise $5,000, which EXIT’s head office was proud to match, however they exceeded that goal and raised $5,037 for a total donation of $10,037 to Hope for Wildlife Society.
“The Hope for Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincere thanks for your consideration and donation in coordination with Jim Smardon. As a not-for-profit, charitable society, we do not receive government funding, and your donations will assist injured and orphaned wildlife across Nova Scotia,” said Hope Swinimer, Founder & Director, Hope for Wildlife Society.