On December 1st, Durham Region Association of REALTORS® (DRAR) hosted their annual Christmas Dinner and Charity Auction in support of three local Durham Region charities: Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth, St. Vincent Pallotti’s Kitchen operated by Durham Outlook, and WindReach Farm.

“We’re proud to say our REALTOR® members raised over $14,000 this year,” said DRAR President, Sandra O’Donohue. The evening’s 250 attendees also donated canned/dry goods to the Salvation Army, and pyjamas for women and children at Durham’s Y’s WISH and Durham Children’s Aid Foundation. “For over 20 years, our members have been fundraising for local charities for our annual Christmas Dinner and Charity Auction. We’re incredibly proud of how our REALTOR® members give back to the community, not only during the holidays, but throughout the calendar year as well.”

The event included special guests, 2016 CHMC Award of Distinction, installation of the 2017 Board of Directors, 2016 President’s Report, passing of the gavel and 2017 President’s introductory speech. Throughout the evening, 248 silent auction items were bid on for the Charity Auction and a cabaret show entertained the guests.

The recipient of the 2016 CHMC Award of Distinction was Dena Sicard, sales representative at Royal LePage Frank Real Estate, Whitby. For the last 26 years, the CMHC Award of Distinction has been recognizing active members of DRAR who has direct or indirect Association involvement, community involvement, commitment and service to the industry, promotes the industry and is a goodwill person.

DRAR welcomed the 2017 Board of Directors, which includes Roger Bouma (President), Sandra O’Donohue (Immediate Past-President), Dennis Roberts (Director-at-Large), Vicki Sweeney (Durham East Director), Sue Duchesnay (Director Durham West), Lorrie Lynn Roberts (Durham Centre Director), Tina Sorichetti (Durham North Director), and Keeley Ward (Director-at-Large).

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the 2016 Board of Directors, DRAR staff, volunteers and partners for making this a memorable year,” said O’Donohue. “May good health and happiness be yours in 2017.”

To view the Facebook album, visit:

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Left to right: DRAR 2017 President Roger Bouma, DRAR 2016 President Sandra O’Donohue, His Worship Mayor John Henry City of Oshawa

From left to right: Anne Henry, Account Manager, Durham Region CMHC; Dena Sicard, sales representative, Royal LePage Frank Real Estate Whitby; Lorella Sahakian, Manager Client Relations, Ontario CMHC

2017 DRAR Board of Directors from left to right: Keeley Ward, Dennis Roberts, Sandra O’Donohue, Roger Bouma, Vicki Sweeney, Tina Sorichetti. (Missing: Sue Duchesnay and Lorrie Lynn Roberts)

Pajamas donated for the Durham’s Y’s WISH and Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

Canned/dry goods donated for the Salvation Army