KAREA raises over $11K for Kingston Youth Shelter

Kingston & Area Real Estate Association’s most recent initiative to support unhoused or insecurely housed youth in Kingston has raised a total of $11, 670.

The “REALTORS on the Run!” fundraiser, held on Oct. 29 and 30, 2020, benefits the Kingston Youth Shelter, a local shelter that offers services to homeless or precariously housed youth between the ages of 16 and 24. These services help youth stabilize, grow, develop and transition successfully into adulthood in a supportive and inclusive environment.

“Last year, Kingston and Area Realtors and supporters raised $13,219.25 for the Kingston Youth Shelter through our annual Bowl-A-Thon. But this year, due to COVID-19 we’ve had to pivot,” said Mary Ambrose on behalf of KAREA. Instead, the organization held a road rally which featured area landmarks and businesses, as well as a concurrent virtual silent auction of donated prizes.

Major donors to the event include Property Perspectives, Total Diva Salon and Tommy’s Goodtime Group.

Shelter has ‘taken a hit’ financially

According to Emily Haak, of the Kingston Youth Shelter, the donations are greatly appreciated.

“We have been quite busy this year, there has been a huge increase in need for our services,” Haak said. At any given time the Kingston Youth Shelter serves up to 30 youth across three locations, she explained.

KAREA’s financial support will help the Kingston Youth Shelter provide clients with everything from hygiene items, clothing and transportation to services to help them find housing or reunite with their families, where possible.

“Our funding has been affected due to COVID this year,” Haak said. “We’ve taken a quite a hit financially. This really does make such a huge difference for the youth that we serve.”