Kindness to Homeless Neighbours
Michael McKillican (centre) at the Nanaimo Hospital’s Run for Life.
Nanaimo, B.C – Michael McKillican and his 8-year-old daughter Kate did something this winter that most people would hesitate to do: they reached out directly to homeless people who have been living for months in their cars. Michael purchased ten sleeping bags as well as food, new socks, underwear, and sweaters then they knocked on the car doors to deliver the gifts.
“There were a lot of tears from the 10 people we helped,” says Michael. “My daughter and I were really moved by one sober young man. All he said was ‘Why are you doing this for me?’”
The question brought back memories. “I explained that I left my home when I was young and was forced to sleep on a shelf in an abandoned garage for a week. It was in Alberta in the fall and days were long and nights were cold. It was lonely and I felt helpless…
“On the eighth morning, I cleaned up and applied for a job. I wanted this young man to know that we can all experience rough patches, and sometimes we need a hand to pull us up.”
Just before Christmas in 2021 and 2020, Michael and his family delivered full turkey dinners to a dozen families. Recipients were selected with the help of a local elementary school.
This busy REALTOR® has donated his time and funds to numerous causes over the past 16 years. When he began his real estate career in 2006, he donated an impressive 10 percent of his revenue to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation for two years.
In 2014, the hospital foundation’s Board of Directors invited Michael to become a director. He served on the Board for four years, in addition to volunteering at numerous community events and fundraisers through 2017. In recent years, he joined the Aspen Grove Legacy Committee.
To connect with Michael, visit: https://www.buynanaimo.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 - West Coast Realty (Nanaimo):
Michael McKillican
250-756-2112
mckillican@sutton.com
Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd.:
Maria Castro
604-691-1689
stories@suttonspirit.com