Circle of Abundance
Stratford, ON – Heather McDowell donated $125 from each of her real estate transactions in 2021 to local charities. She also sponsored the Advocacy and Allyship Award in an annual charity celebration. This year, she is serving on the Board and Executive of OptimismPlace and is Co-Chair of the Future Oxford Partnership.
As a former Supporting Cast Chair on the Board of the Performing Arts Lodging (PAL) Stratford, she is happy to promote their upcoming fundraiser: Expect the Extraordinary. This live event will take place on September 19, 2022, at the Festival Theatre on Queen Street in Stratford.
Expect the Extraordinary features Lucy Peacock, company members of the Stratford Festival, and some very special guests for an intimate, rollicking, and unforgettable evening. Proceeds will support PAL, which provides affordable housing and assistance to our country’s performing arts community. Heather notes that PAL is hoping to build a second residential building for senior storytellers. After all, this community is home to the Stratford Festival, which is famous for its Shakespearean performances.
Heather is also supporting fundraising efforts for OptimismPlace, a shelter for abused women. “We are embarking on a capital campaign to expand the existing facility to scale up to better meet residential needs. I’ve learned that whatever you think it looks like, how many people you think you know who have experienced an abusive relationship, chances are you’re wrong; it’s way worse than you think.”
OptimismPlace is Perth County’s only women’s shelter. It provides secure, protective housing for up to eight weeks for women with or without children as well as support services to anyone in need.
Heather finds it incredibly heartwarming to know she’s made a difference, especially during the pandemic. “Most emergency support service support demands doubled during COVID-19. We have learned that women in rural communities are more heavily affected by intimate partner abuse because the greater isolation and interwoven community-families. As much as COVID-19 was a terrible experience, I think it made us more dynamic… we have very much had to think on our feet.”
This love for her community also shines through in her work as a REALTOR®. To connect with Heather, please see contact details below, or visit https://suttonfirstchoice.com.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 6,500 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.:
Maria Castro
604-691-1689
stories@suttonspirit.com
Sutton Group - First Choice Realty Ltd. :
Heather McDowell
519-271-5515
hmcdowell@sutton.com