Sutton REALTOR® Offers Warmth and Friendship at Inn from the Cold

Calgary, AB – When parents and individuals experience difficult financial times, they can lose their possessions and even their homes. Living on the streets through a Calgary winter can be difficult for anyone, but the situation is tragic when children are involved. Fortunately, there are organizations such as the Inn from the Cold, which provide emergency shelter for families and others who are homeless. Sandi Hegland, a REALTOR® at Sutton – Partners Realty Group, devotes much of her spare time to the Inn, helping to make it a home away from home for families. Recently, she took on the responsibilities of Inn Coordinator.

As the Inn Coordinator, Sandi recruits, trains and supervises volunteers, sorts through donations, and generally makes guests feel welcome and safe. In a single evening, more than 25 volunteers will do the shopping, cook, plan entertainment for the guests and set up as many as 15 beds. In the morning, patrons of the Inn are treated to a hot breakfast and a bagged lunch. For a year and a half, Sandi has been working the 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. supervisory shift and, in December 2008, took on the role of Inn Coordinator.

“If no one was available to take on the Coordinator role, the Inn could not continue at our community centre location,” says Sandi. “I felt it was important to keep the shelter open and I also find this work is very satisfying. It makes me happy and reminds me to appreciate what I have. I know guests appreciate what we do for them as they try to get back on their feet.”

Sandi started her real estate career in 2006, and continually strives to advance her career with Sutton – Partners Realty Group. When she decided to volunteer, she knew it would challenge her to take on an extra role in her community, as well as be successful in real estate. She felt determined to help the homeless in Calgary. Her efforts have enriched her life as well as helped many families hoping to get off the streets.

Sandi is the sort of person who helps to build communities. She is a self-described “volunteer type person” who has helped many organizations including the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Kidney Foundation. Her work with the Inn from the Cold is uniquely satisfying since she deals directly with 15-20 people every month. She brings warmth and friendship to the people who need it most-the children who have lost their homes. To make a donation or to find out more, please visit: www.innfromthecold.org.

Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 8,700 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.

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