Burnaby, BC - REALTOR® Yvonne Conner of Sutton - Centre Realty has a dream to help 40 vulnerable children in the African village of Sabga to receive an education and enjoy a brighter future. Yvonne has placed a jar full of coffee beans in her office and is inviting people to guess the number of beans by donation. Participants have a chance to win one of three luxurious prizes including four nights accommodation at a chalet at Silver Star Resort in Vernon for up to 14 people, and two spa treatments at Beauty In Motion in Vancouver. "I have wanted to do something that would give back to my community or one that was more impoverished," says Yvonne. She was motivated to help this group of children through a series of inspirations. A friend had recently returned from teaching in Cameroon and a visit to Sabga where she saw the heartbreaking living conditions. As well, Bill Clinton's book, Giving, explains how people can donate through non-governmental organizations (NGO) that have no administrative fees and target specific grassroots projects. "People are frustrated with the lack of government help that is needed for so many people in different situations around the world," she says.
Yvonne is happy to report that 100% of the funds raised in her ‘Coffee Beans for Africa' contest will reach the children in need through International Children's Welfare Foundation, a registered NGO. The funds will make a dramatic difference: "Just 10 dollars can pay for 1.5 children to attend school there for a year! It is a different world," says Yvonne. The money is earmarked for school fees, books and uniforms for September. It will help a single mother and her five blind children who also have illnesses affecting their hands and feet. Additionally, the money will be used to fund trades training for homeless boys at an education centre. Any extra resources will be used to buy staples such as cooking oil and rice.
Congratulations to Yvonne for taking action! So far her contest has raised more than $700. To make a donation, contact Yvonne at yconnor@sutton.com. Make your guess soon-the contest ends and prizes are awarded July 31.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 8,900 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.
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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contacts:
| Ana Chan | 604-691-1630 | stories@suttonspirit.com |
| Yvonne Connor | 604-435-9477 |
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| 219_Yvonne_Connor.pdf | 42.36 KB |
