Ottawa, ON – On March 28, Sutton Group – Premier Realty (2008) Ltd.* showed their community that they have heart.  During a live telethon for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Executive Director Alana Abraham presented a cheque for $10,100 from her Sutton offices.  The REALTOR® who made the largest contribution received a Realtor at Heart award from Dr. Bob Roberts, President, CEO and CSO of the Institute.  As well, the five associates who made the largest donations joined politicians, celebrities and others in answering phones for the telethon.

The seeds of this health-promoting gift were planted over a year ago.  Alana and her husband Donald Abraham, the Owner/Manager of Sutton Group – Premier Realty (2008) Ltd.* were looking for a way to give back to their community and involve all of their 70 associates.  “We chose the University of Ottawa Heart Institute after listening to many stories from our associates about the centre saving their lives or those of their friends and family members.  As an Ottawa native, I have followed the progress of this Institute.  When Dr. Roberts moved to Ottawa from Houston, Texas some five years ago and was made President & CEO, he not only continued the great work of the Institute but, in a short time, he has made it one of the leading cardiac facilities in the world.”

Once they selected the charitable recipient, Alana and Donald approached their associates and asked if they would be willing to donate a portion of their commission from each transaction.  The amount could be as small as $5 and as much as the individual wished.  At the end of the year, the total including a donation from Alana and Donald was an impressive $10,100.

“The Heart Institute was so appreciative of this gesture that they provided five prime VIP spots for our top donors to man the phones on the day of the telethon and Dr. Roberts presented the Realtor at Heart award.  I was asked to present our cheque, at which time, the television audience was given a three-minute challenge.  They had three minutes to call in with donations to match or exceed our contribution.  The Sutton logo and company name were held on camera.  What a great moment for Sutton!”

Alana and Donald now have another important goal—encouraging Sutton offices in every province to join Sutton Ottawa in supporting this world-renowned cardiac centre.

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.

-30-

Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:

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

Sutton Group – Premier Realty (2008) Ltd.* Contact:

Alana Abraham          613-254-6580         aabraham@sutton.com

* Independently owned and operated brokerage

Please click here to view the Press Release