I am excited to announce that this year, in addition to my contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network, that I will also be contributing to Backpack Buddies.

Backpack Buddies is a unique program that addresses a very real need in the Vancouver community while providing a tangible opportunity for kids to help other kids.

Many students in Vancouver’s inner city schools, which are all located in East Vancouver, rely heavily on free or reduced price breakfast and lunch programs during the school week. Sadly, “hunger doesn’t take the weekend off” and these same kids go home to meager or no meals on the weekend. It is proven that without adequate nutrition, kids have difficulty learning and are at risk of developing serious health conditions.

The concept of Backpack Buddies is simple. Kids that are fortunate enough to be attending school without worrying about where their next meal will come from, are invited to join the program. They have fundraisers, hold food drives and pack backpacks full of enough food to feed the kids throughout the weekend. Then, Community First volunteers pick up the backpacks and deliver them to the schools that need them.

What a great way for kids to help other kids and teach them about contributing to their own community!

Backpack Buddies started with 1 donor school (20 backpacks) and 1 recipient school. Now, they have 7 donor schools (400 backpacks) and 5 recipient schools. Every week they are providing over 400 kids in inner city schools with enough food to last an entire weekend.

A portion of every one of my transactions, whether it is helping a buyer or a seller, will be going to this very worthwhile cause.

For those of you who have already purchased a home or just aren't ready to at this time, you can still help. Simply refer me to your family or friends, and in addition to you receiving my thank you gift, I will also donate $100 to Backpack Buddies.