Stilhavn Cares: Giving Back

At Stilhavn Real Estate Services, community lies at the heart of everything we do. Guided by a deep commitment to giving back, we’ve established the Stilhavn Cares initiative, which enables us to support local causes and organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work. This Giving Tuesday, we’re reflecting on some of the incredible work we’ve accomplished together, from supporting children in hospitals to fighting food insecurity and beyond.

Toyhavn: Bringing Smiles to KGH’s Youngest Patients

In December 2023, Stilhavn partnered with the KGH Foundation to create Toyhavn, a centralized program at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) that provides toys, books, and crafts to young patients. More than just a repository of playthings, Toyhavn offers tools that support children during their hospital stays, helping to ease anxiety and make their environment feel more welcoming and less intimidating.

Over the past six months, Toyhavn has supported 12 departments at KGH and distributed over 1,400 toys to children. These items bring comfort and joy, while also acting as relationship-building tools that foster a sense of connection between patients, their families, and care teams.

To ensure the long-term success of Toyhavn, Stilhavn’s Kelowna agents have committed $20,000 per year over the course of five years, for a total commitment of $100,000. This commitment underscores our belief in the importance of brightening the lives of children in difficult circumstances, year-round—not just during the holidays.

Backpack Buddies: Addressing Food Insecurity

Further along the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Stilhavn’s agents are making an impact through their support of Backpack Buddies, a program that provides weekend meals to schoolchildren facing food insecurity. For many children, the meals they receive at school are their primary source of nutrition, leaving weekends as a gap in their food security. Backpack Buddies fills this gap by discreetly delivering packs of nutritious food to students in need.

This year, Stilhavn’s Squamish agents are on track to contribute over $11,000 to Backpack Buddies, ensuring local children have the food they need to thrive.

Giving Back in Metro Vancouver

Since our inception in 2018, Stilhavn agents in Metro Vancouver have supported two vital organizations: Covenant House and the BC SPCA.

Covenant House provides shelter, support, and life-changing programs for youth facing homelessness, offering them the tools to build brighter futures. This year, Stilhavn is set to donate over $20,000 to support Covenant House’s essential work.

Meanwhile, the BC SPCA focuses on animal welfare, providing shelter and care to animals in need and promoting education on responsible pet ownership. We’re proud to contribute over $10,000 this year to help them continue their lifesaving work.

Building Stronger Communities

At Stilhavn Real Estate Services, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. From toys that bring joy to young patients to meals that combat food insecurity and support for vulnerable youth and animals, the Stilhavn Cares initiative embodies our belief that thriving communities are built when we care for one another.

*In addition to giving to Covenant House and the SPCA, I love my volunteer moments at The Greater Vancouver Food Bank. If you are interested in donating, you can find my donation page here on my website.