Royal LePage Riverbend Realty finds rewards in giving back to the community

When people in Steinbach and southeastern Manitoba hear the name “Royal LePage,” it’s Maricel Sales’s hope that they associate the real estate franchise with community involvement.

“Our slogan is ‘Helping You is What We Do,’ and we stand behind that,” says Sales, a realtor with Royal LePage Riverbend Realty. “I’m so glad we’re not looked at as people who only sell houses, but who also do as much as we can to contribute to our community.”

It can sometimes be easy to think of companies the size of Royal LePage – with more than 600 locations and 18,000 employees Canada-wide – as corporate and impersonal, but locally-owned and operated Riverbend Realty makes a point of giving back and supporting neighbourhood organizations. And they do it because they genuinely care.

“I think it’s a big part of what we stand for,” explains Riverbend’s Andy Bergmann. “Most of our agents are from this community, so being a part of it and doing whatever we can to give back is just great.”

Most recently, the Royal LePage team provided a Country Coffee Break to Trailblazers Life Choices, a non-profit agency dedicated to working with adults living with disabilities. Sales says the welcome she and her colleagues received as they delivered coffee and doughnuts on a cold, January morning reinforced the importance of community involvement.

“The feeling was so amazing,” she says. “When we entered the building we were greeted right away by two of the participants. It was heartwarming.”

Bergmann emphasizes the impact of even so small a gesture, as it both serves the organization and its participants and also helps them get the word out.

“We can maybe help Trailblazers spread the word as to what they do and how valuable they are,” he says. “People who might not have known about them can actually just stop by and learn about what they do. It’s an amazing thing.”

Trailblazers delivers day programs in Steinbach at 197B Main Street and 2-32 Main Street. They also provide supported living for adults living with disabilities. Royal LePage has also been involved in other difference-making initiatives, such as delivering lunches to teachers.

“We want to be visible in the community,” concludes Sales. “We’ll help as much as we can.”

Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Royal Lepage Riverbend Realty can be reached by calling (204) 326-9844, and friends and neighbours are always welcome to stop by the office at 105-150 Penfeld Drive in Steinbach.