Good Works: Agents giving back in April

Ron Neal of The Neal Estate Group in Victoria, B.C., has been ranked the No. 1 Top Giving Agent for 2025 by Rate-My-Agent.com.

Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Victoria agent named Rate-My-Agent’s No. 1 Top Giving Agent

Ron Neal of The Neal Estate Group in Victoria, B.C., has been ranked the No. 1 Top Giving Agent for 2025 by Rate-My-Agent.com.

The ranking, new for 2025, recognizes real estate agents based on their verified donations to registered Canadian charities. Rate-My-Agent.com — a review and ranking platform for real estate agents, mortgage brokers and insurance agents — independently verifies all donations before agents are considered.

“I believe that it is the responsibility of those who can to help those who cannot,” Neal said. “My greatest joy and fulfillment comes from helping others.”

Cornerstone Realtors lace up for Hockey Helps the Homeless

Members of the Cornerstone Association of Realtors raised $14,376.72 for Hockey Helps the Homeless at the Hamilton/Burlington tournament on April 10, finishing fourth overall in funds raised.

Hockey Helps the Homeless, Apr. 10 (supplied)

Team Cornerstone was joined on the ice by former NHL player Michael Zigomanis. Proceeds will support YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford programs targeting homelessness, including the YMCA’s Men’s Residence — which provides transitional housing for more than 175 men in Hamilton — and the Youth in Transition program, which helps individuals ages 16 to 24 access housing, education, employment and mental health services.

“Playing in Hockey Helps the Homeless means more than just a day on the ice — it’s about coming together as a community to create a real impact off the ice,” said Rochelle Edwards, team co-captain. “Our team showed up, represented our profession, competed hard, and most importantly, played for something bigger than ourselves.”

GVR honours Sid Koshul with Realtors Care Award

Vancouver Realtor Sid Koshul of Oakwyn Realty Ltd. received the Realtors Care Award from Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) on April 7, recognizing his volunteer leadership and community impact over the past year.

Koshul served as chair of QMUNITY’s capital campaign to build a new purpose-built 2SLGBTQ+ community centre in Vancouver. The campaign surpassed its original $3.2-million goal. He also contributed to the Dr. Peter Centre’s Pride Kickoff event, which has raised approximately $500,000 over five years, and serves as co-chair of Ballet BC’s Ambassador Group.

“Sid’s leadership reflects the best of what it means to be a Realtor,” said Raman Bayanzadeh, GVR chair. “His ability to connect people, inspire giving, and create lasting impact in the community embodies the spirit of the Realtors Care Award.”

The Realtors Care Award recognizes GVR members who demonstrate exceptional volunteerism and community leadership.

CREB’s Realtor foundation opens $360,000 in grant applications

The CREB Realtor Community Foundation (CRCF) is opening applications for its community and transformation grants on May 1, with $360,000 in total funding available this year.

Community grants support major repairs or renovations to existing housing or shelter spaces. Transformation grants fund smaller renovation projects to improve housing quality for vulnerable residents. Both streams focus on local housing- and shelter-related initiatives in Calgary and surrounding communities.

Applications are open May 1 to Jun. 30, 2026. Non-profit organizations can review eligibility guidelines and apply at creb.com.

“CREB Realtors are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Christian Twomey, chair of the CRCF. “Through these grants, CREB members are proud to support local organizations working every day to keep people housed and improve housing conditions for those who need it most.”

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