SYDNEY, N.S. —
The Cape Breton SPCA is launching a new campaign called Realtors to the Rescue, where local real estate agents commit a portion of their commission from each transaction to the Sydney-based shelter.
“Realtor to the Rescue is an initiative that allows local real estate agents to incorporate giving back to the SPCA into their work,” said Ryan Toomey, a development officer for the Cape Breton SPCA. The money will go toward improving both the shelter and the lives of the roughly 1,600 animals that it helps each year.
“It’s an initiative that’s happened in multiple places with multiple different humane societies and SPCAs,” said Toomey.
They decided to do something similar on the island, then spoke with Leanne Martheleur, owner and broker at Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty on Charlotte Street in Sydney.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Cape Breton SPCA,” said Martheleur. “It has always been my belief that everyone, including animals, deserve to feel safe and at home.”
Toomey said that as of Thursday morning, they have seven agents signed on to take part in the initiative.
“That’s a big number. We haven’t seen that number anywhere else in the province with similar programs.”
Realtors to the Rescue will go on for as long as the agents signed on wish to participate, said Toomey.
Initiatives like this one are especially important now because the pandemic has impacted the shelter’s fundraising efforts. Animals frequently arrive at the SPCA after experiencing abuse and neglect and need plenty of one-on-one support or emergency medical care, which can be costly.
“The monetary funds that we’ll receive (from Realtors to the Rescue) will help us be flexible to take on these situations as they come to us, so that everyone gets help.”
Jeanine Bungay, animal care supervisor at the Cape Breton SPCA, said the shelter’s goal is to set all animals up for success so they can find their forever home.
Real estate agent Courtney Helps said she’s excited to be a part of the campaign.
“As an animal lover, and someone who owns a dog myself, I think this is a great opportunity to give back to my community and help contribute to all the wonderful work that the Cape Breton SPCA does.”
Helps said this is something clients can feel good about as well.
“When they use a real estate agent that is participating in the Realtors to the Rescue campaign, they are indirectly contributing to the SPCA as well. I am excited to see how far we can take this campaign.”
Toomey said those who want to learn more or find one of the realtors involved can check out the shelter’s Facebook page.
Jessica Smith is a reporter with the Cape Breton Post.
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