The CREB^® Charitable Foundation was recognized for its philanthropic dedication to ending family violence at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter’s (CWES) Tulip Awards on Nov. 8. 

During the event, which was held at Fort Calgary, the foundation took home the Telling our Story Award. This award is bestowed to an organization that has donated money to the agency and communicated its mandate to the foundation’s membership.

“For the foundation to receive this award is incredibly humbling,” said Aneve MacKay-Lyons, CREB^® Charitable Foundation manager. “Everyone has the right to a safe, secure and enjoyable life, and this is a movement that our REALTORS^® would never think twice about backing.”

Tulip Awards celebrate individuals and corporations who take a stand against family violence and abuse through gifts of time, funds and energy.  

“At the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, we work every day to end family violence and abuse in our community,” said Kim Ruse, CWES executive director. “It is important to recognize the vital role that donors, funders, supporters and volunteers have in helping families in our city to build safer, healthier and happier lives.” 

The foundation has supported CWES for 21 years, beginning with the purchase of security shutters through its Investing in HOPE grant. Funds from the grant have gone towards a variety of initiatives, such as a 24-hour helpline and emergency shelter, extended care and support for children and youth, and many counselling channels across multiple levels.

CWES is focused on ending family violence and abuse in the lives of women, children, youth and men. 

This year marks the foundation’s 30th anniversary. To date, the foundation has given $6.3 million to more than 150 local shelter- and community-related non-profit organizations in Calgary and surrounding areas. 

From left: Aneve MacKay-Lyons, CREB^® Charitable foundation manager; Rob Campbell, CREB^® Charitable Foundation president; Alyssa Campos, CREB^® Charitable Foundation president-elect.