Meet Mathew Said Morley, one of CREB^®’s 2021 Honourary Life Award recipient.

This award is presented to an individual who has provided outstanding service to the real estate industry, board or public.

Mathew has been involved with numerous CREB^® committees throughout his 15 years as a Calgary REALTOR^®, most notably serving on the Critical Illness Benefit Society (CIBS) board of directors for the past four years. He is passionate about giving back to the community, helping at risk Calgarians stay warm in the winter months.

We recently chatted with Mathew about what inspires him to get involved, and the importance of finding your passion and focusing on gratitude.

CREB^®: What does it mean to you to receive this award?

To be acknowledged by my peers is such a humbling experience and I couldn’t be more grateful to have this privilege. To be honest, I was shocked when I heard about it as there are so many incredible people in our industry.

CREB^®: Why do you feel it is important to give back to the community and to industry?

Mathew: I try and give as much as I receive and focus on a life of gratitude. When we acknowledge all that we have with grace and love, our perspective changes. I'm fortunate enough to have a beautiful family, an incredible career and a life I never dreamed of. Waking up each day being grateful and appreciating what life has to offer drives me to try to give back as much as I can.

CREB^®: What inspired you to get actively involved with CREB® and in the community?

Mathew: While I’m extremely motivated and driven to be as successful as I can be in my career, I didn’t want my life to be purely focused on business. I came from a giving family and always knew that giving back was going to be an important piece of my life. We can be successful while being heavily involved in our community and making an impact on other people’s lives.

I was born with congenital heart defects and recently had my third open heart surgery. This health journey is a daily reminder to me of what matters most and the type of legacy I want to leave behind. Giving back to our industry and our incredible city is just one small way I’m able to do that, showing my gratitude for life through my actions every day.

It’s an honour and privilege to be involved in so many different organizations and keep me grounded.

CREB^®: Are there any specific charitable causes or local organizations you want to highlight?

Mathew: I started an initiative in 2010 called Coats For Calgary - an annual collection of winter jackets of all sizes for the Calgary Drop-In Centre. I’d to thank everyone in the industry that has helped it grow to what it is today. Last year we collected over 6,000 coats for Calgary’s less fortunate and I can’t believe how much growth we have seen organically each year. It’s been a true passion of mine and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow and change the lives of others.

CREB^®: What’s one piece of advice you would give to REALTORS® who are just starting out in the industry?

Mathew: Find your passion. People, design, marketing, community. Once you find that thing that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning you will become unstoppable. And a person that is focused, compassionate and driven is a true force to be reckoned with.

CREB^®: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Mathew: I'd just like to say thank you. To my parents. To my beautiful wife and two incredible kids I couldn’t be more proud of. To my mentors Rick Campos and Cliff Stevenson. To this amazing community and all the friends and colleagues I’ve made along the way. It’s a beautiful life and we have the power to make a change in the world one day at a time.