Photo: President Andre Gravelle (second from right) and Golf Committee Chair Rob Reichelt (far right) hand $27,000 chequ

Vancouver, BC, October 19, 2012 – The Real Estate Institute of British Columbia (REIBC) has donated $27,000 to the Make‐A‐Wish Foundation of B.C. and Yukon following the Institute’s very successful 19th Annual Charity Golf Tournament held June 20th of this year. The donation was made on October 10, 2012 by REIBC president Andre Gravelle to representatives from the charity. Since it initiated the tournament fundraiser in 1973, REIBC has raised more than $372,000 for charity.

REIBC, a professional association representing a broad range of real estate professionals, supports a culture of “giving back” to the community. The charity golf tournament raises funds with the help of many sponsors, individual golfers, and prize donations for a silent & live auction. This year, over 130 REIBC members and non‐members participated in the event to support an organization that grants the wishes of children suffering from life‐threatening medical conditions.

REIBC members also support their communities off the golf course. “We’re excited to make this donation, which is our largest contribution yet,” says Gravelle, “but it’s the dedication our members have for helping out in their own communities that makes the Institute especially proud to represent them.” The George M.C. Whyte Award, is awarded to a person who best exemplify the giving spirit of the Institute, is awarded each year. The 2012 award will be presented to Mr. Scott Ullrich on December 6, 2012 at the REIBC President’s Luncheon. The award recognizes his volunteer work with many local, provincial, and national organizations. Ullrich is President and CEO of Gateway Property Management Corporation in Delta, and is a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Canada and past president of REIBC.

Recognizing members for their time and effort in serving the broader community is the focus of a new column, called “Giving Back,” in REIBC’s Input magazine. “Real estate‐based professionals are in touch with the people and issues in the communities they serve. They are well positioned to really make a positive difference in people’s lives,” says Gravelle. “We want to recognize them for their efforts and inspire others to join them.”

The mission of REIBC is to advance and recognize excellence in education, knowledge, professional development, and business practices uniting all sectors of the real estate industry. It is committed to supporting high industry standards and professional accreditation, promoting standards of excellence in business practices, facilitating education, and collaborating with industry leaders and educators.

More info about Make‐A‐Wish Foundation of BC and Yukon: http://makeawishbc.ca/