Article
Calling on Montreal’s Real Estate Industry to Fight Poverty
October 31, 2024 3 Minute Read
Canada has been grappling with increasing poverty rates, as nearly 10% of the population is living under the poverty line, according to Statistics Canada.
There is a critical need for community support. As the housing crisis and cost of living deteriorates, nearly one in five Montrealers rely on Centraide for help. Scott Speirs, who leads CBRE Montreal’s National Investment Team, has taken on a new role as co-president of the Real Estate and Construction Committee at Centraide of Greater Montreal to raise funding and awareness for this vital organization.
“The housing crisis is something the real estate industry understands firsthand,” he says. “We are very frustrated with the situation and at the same time very empathetic to the plight of those affected. Many are looking for ways to help and Centraide is a great organization and an invaluable resource for Montrealers.”
Centraide, known as United Way in other provinces, is a non-profit organization that supports community groups in fighting against poverty and social exclusion. It’s an essential resource for many struggling households, having invested $73.2 million in 375 agencies and projects to help Greater Montreal communities.
Speirs says his new role represents an opportunity to bridge the gap between the real estate sector and vulnerable populations.
“I’m in a unique position to be able to speak directly to a broad range of decision-makers across Montreal’s real estate industry. Corporate donors are responsible for over 60% of Centraide’s campaign results. By having conversations, engaging businesses and sharing across my network, I can help Centraide have a more meaningful impact on our community.”
Fighting Poverty
The current economic environment has made fundraising challenging. “Many great causes are seeking support,” says Speirs. “People are overcommitted, and resources are thin, but I do hear a desire to make positive change from almost everyone I speak with.”
He’s been encouraged by the real estate community’s willingness to help. Since stepping into his new role, Speirs has connected Centraide with many of Montreal’s leading real estate companies to set up fundraising campaigns within their organizations or to make corporate donations.
“Our clients are concerned about the increasing cost of living, poverty and homelessness,” he says. “They are aware that their hands are tied because residential development in the current market does not generally make economic sense, so they are looking for other ways to help. My role is to connect them with Centraide so that their contributions are put to good use locally.”
How to Help
Speirs is currently helping to plan Centraide’s Real Estate and Construction Committee’s annual fundraising cocktail party.
The event is on November 6 and will bring together leaders from across the real estate industry to network, learn about Centraide’s mission and support vulnerable populations and the community organizations that assist them. This year the committee hopes to raise over $250,000 through ticket sales.
In addition to attending the event, individuals can support Centraide by making direct donations, implementing internal fundraising campaigns in their workplace and raising awareness about Centraide’s mission and impact.
“As an industry that very literally builds communities, it is our duty to lift those communities up and help the most vulnerable,” says Speirs. “Supporting Centraide isn’t just about donating money to a good cause. It’s about investing in your community and making a difference for the people who need it the most.”
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