Community Outreach

KWAOR Community Outreach Committee partners with Elves for Elders to fulfill gift requests

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many, but there are others in our community, especially the elderly, who feel alone. KWAOR was proud to partner with The Elves for Elders program to play a role in bringing some holiday magic to the seniors in our community. Our Elves ambassador, REALTOR® Paula Allin said volunteers from KWAOR and her HomeSmart office filled FIVE carloads of donations. We are so proud to play a role in an organization that makes such an impact in the lives of local seniors.

KWAOR and South County Habitat for Humanity

Our first Habitat for Humanity build for 2021 was a success! On Friday, June 25, 2021 volunteers swung hammers to build strength, stability and self-reliance in the South County community. They gave their time and energy to make window joists and construct walls, which will be placed at the home site at a later date. KWAOR is proud to support Habitat for Humanity and thanks all of the participants for their help! Hope to see you at our next build!

The Morning Crew preps shelves for seedlings
Sharma and Kelly Moran planting

Kiki’s Garden Prepares for the 2021 Season.

On Saturday May 8, 2021, volunteer KWAOR planters and builders assisted 2019 REALTOR Heroes Jeff and Evelyn Weller with plantings for their sunflower stand entryway and setting up the greenhouse. They grow and sell sunflowers each year to raise funds for their Aspire Higher Scholarship program and to fund arts programs in Rhode Island, to honor the memory of their daughter Krista Weller Burns.

Kudos to AM Crew Karen and Chris Bouchard, Joanne Congilio, Deb Giannini, Stacy Lashua, Tanya Phillips, and Tricia Shea, and PM Crew Sonia Sharma, Dianne Edson and Kelly Moran.  More photos in the carousel below.

We’re planning another workday later this spring. Advance registration required to ensure safety and best use of volunteer time.  Contact Carol Drewes

You can also help out by purchasing sunflowers (available in August and September) or making a gift.

KWAOR Partners with Land Conservation Trust of North Kingstown to fund and build new pedestrian bridge over Mill Cove.

KWAOR CEO Linda Arcouette and member of the Community Outreach Committee have worked with the Land Conservation Trust to partially fund (via a Smart Growth grant from the National Association of REALTORS®) and help to construct a new footbridge linking the Wickford to Wilson Park footpath.

Volunteer builders helped out on Saturday April 17 to assemble the footbridge frame, and on May 19 another group of KWAOR volunteers staffed path-clearing work. This footbridge is now a part of our community and KWAOR is committed to path maintenance, as needed.

If you haven’t checked out this path yet, we recommend you come and see the beautiful new addition for yourself! Access at Wilson Park in N. Kingstown!  Bring a small bag for trash collection and record your volunteer hour with the NAR REALTORS Are Good Neighbors project.  Recording hours puts you in the running to win $1000 for your favorite non-profit!  

Photos
Left: Bridge Construction   Right: Trail Clearers (L to R) Greg Eccleston, Shannon Krasnowiecki and Chas Adams enjoy the view from the new bridge!

WE’RE PARTNERING WITH Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI to keep clothing, linens, shoes and more out of landfills.

YOU can help today.  Click the button below for a complete list of acceptable donations.  Fill a bag, and drop it off! 

Our collection bin is located to the rear of the KWAOR office building at 2240 South County Trail, and is available 24/7.  Please bag all donations and use the provided tags to ensure KWAOR receives proper credit for collection.  For each pound collected, KWAOR receives payment which will be used for future projects approved for funding from the KWOAR Foundation. 

Please share this information and our flyer with your colleagues and clients who are clearing out closets!!  The bin is meant to be used by all.

Click Here for BigsRI Bin Flyer

RESOURCES for REALTOR® Members and our neighbors!

Click the button, right, below for a comprehensive list (with website links and phone numbers wherever possible) for Food Pantries, Elder/Disability Services, Utilities contacts, Housing resources, and Veterans Services.

Interested in becoming a KWAOR member?

There are many benefits of belonging to the Kent Washington Association of Realtors, consider your membership today!