London, ON – For the latest recipient of the Michelle Montour Memorial Award, giving of her time and resources is a way of life.  From spontaneous generosity to volunteering in her community, Sutton Group – Select Realty Inc.* REALTOR® Paula Hodgson possesses the qualities that Broker of Record Bruce Sworik is pleased to recognize: charity, enthusiasm, teamwork and an undaunted spirit despite challenges.  On July 9, 2000, Michelle Montour lost her battle with cancer and Bruce established the award as a reminder and an inspiration.

“Like Michelle, Paula places service to others at the top of her priorities in the community, in business, and for her family,” says Bruce.  “Paula just never quits!”

Beginning a decade ago, a business association with the Salvation Army made Paula especially aware of those in need.  “The Salvation Army does tremendous work helping people that society often ignores, like the homeless and street kids.”  Paula’s two young sons began collecting toys for Christmas hampers five years ago.  The first time, they gathered 119 toys, and last holiday season, they collected 350 toys.  Paula laughs recalling the “mountain” of toys in her foyer.  She asked people at her office for help and was amazed when three limousines showed up to transport the toys, her sons and other volunteers to the Salvation Army to pack the hampers.  “My boys were thrilled!”

The Bethesda Centre is another project close to Paula’s heart.  The former Salvation Army hospital built 100 years ago now accommodates pregnant teenagers and new mothers.  “Bethesda saves two lives—it nurtures the mother and teaches her how to nurture and care for her infant.  These are girls often as young as 13 or 14-years-old.  Many are runaways coming from homes with drug-addicted or abusive parents.  The Bethesda Centre has a great need for donations of money, diapers and formula.”

Feeding the homeless and working poor is another way Paula gives back to her community.  Each Thursday, rain or shine, the Salvation Army feeds approximately 200 people on the streets.  The first time Paula participated, she purchased $200 worth of food, helped to cook it, loaded the meals onto the truck and served them.  Some of her coworkers have been inspired to help and even recruit friends and family.  Paula’s acts of “spontaneous giving” are another way that she shares her good fortune.  At least once a week, she finds herself giving rides to elderly people, buying sandwiches for people living on the street, etc.  “There are opportunities to give everyday.  Everyday.”

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 – Select Realty Inc.* Contact:

Paula Hodgson           519-433-4331      phodgson@sutton.com

* Independently owned and operated brokerage

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