London, ON – Continuing their eight-year tradition, Renald Guindon and Dan Grantham of Sutton Group – Preferred Realty Inc.* have given a portion of their commissions to local charities.  Despite a particularly challenging year in the housing market, they donated $11,000 in 2009 bringing the eight-year total to more than $80,000.  Their gifts to the community have touched many people including those struggling with cancer, heart conditions and multiple sclerosis and provided valuable opportunities to children and youth.

Their motivation is straightforward: “We believe in giving back to the community in which we make our living,” says Renald.

The response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive.  “They think it’s a wonderful idea,” says Dan.  “Some people are surprised that we would do it and everyone is very supportive.  We thank our clients in a newspaper advertisement quarterly when we announce the amount and the charities that they helped to support.”

In 2009, they assisted the Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Health Foundation, Women’s Community House, Alzheimer Society, London Humane Society, Hospice of London, Heart & Stroke Association, Doctors Without Borders, Canadian Cancer Society, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

In selecting the 12 organizations, Dan and Renald considered their own affiliations and looked to their clients for direction.  “These are the charities most frequently requested by our clients,” says Renald.  “Eight years ago, we started out asking them to select the charity that they preferred.  We now let clients choose from the list of 12.  We submit the donations quarterly to each charity.”

Renald and Dan received the London and St. Thomas Real Estate Board’s Community Service Award in 2004, partly due to their Donations Program.

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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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:

Gabriel Soh               604-691-1610          stories@suttonspirit.com

Sutton Group – Preferred Realty Inc.* Contact:

Renald Guindon         519-438-2222          rguindon@sutton.com

Dan Grantham           519-438-2222          dangrantham@sympatico.ca

*Independently owned and operated brokerage

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