On Thursday, October 22, join us for a 3km walk through the Beaches neighbourhood as part of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk, with all proceeds going to Nellie’s and Red Door Family Shelter. Thanks to the team at Royal LePage Estate Realty, this is the third year of this special event in Toronto, and we’re honoured to once again be the recipients of this generous support.
Supporting their local shelters was a natural fit for Royal LePage Estate Realty, explains owner Chris Dunlop. “As realtors, we help people buy and sell properties that they live in,” says Chris. “But having a property that you live in isn’t the same as having a home, because a home is a safe place. We know that intimate partner violence is a very significant issue in our country, around the world, and in our community. For us, this is a way to really give back to our community in a meaningful way.”
And give back they have — in the last two years, the Night Light Walk in Toronto has raised over $117,000. Each year the event has grown, and Chris hopes their team can best last year’s total of over $61,000 raised and over 400 participants.
This year’s event kicks off at Kew Gardens (2075 Queen St E) at 6:15pm, where participants will gather to hear from a few inspiring speakers before walking a 3km route to light the way for women and children experiencing intimate partner violence in our community. Near the end of the walk is a stunning memorial installation on the beach that honours the lives lost to gender-based violence in Ontario over the last year. Participants, volunteers, and organizers alike often refer to this part of the walk as having the most profound effect on them.
For Chris, he values how this event brings together the community he lives and works in, and how it reminds us all of the parts we play. “I think that one of the things that makes a community and a society strong is when people are willing to get together to support those who are suffering, struggling, and in need,” Chris explains. “We know that every single donation, both large and small, collectively adds up to have a positive impact on real women and children who are our neighbours, who go to school with our children, and play at the same parks as us. It’s important that they aren’t forgotten, and that we step up and support them the best we can.”
Thank you to Chris and the team at Royal LePage Estate Realty for bringing the Night Light Walk to life for the third year in Toronto! You can join a team or donate to the Night Light Walk here.