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LSTAR ANNUAL GENERAL REVIEW 2022
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Quality of Life
`Quality of Life' (QOL) is both a philosophy and a helpful analytical tool, helping to identify how LSTAR, as an
Association, or its Members, as individuals, may improve or enhance the social, physical or economic environments of
the communities that Members passionately serve. It serves as a filter, which is used to determine whether a political
issue is, in fact, a REALTORŽ issue. This is relevant, since, historically, REALTORŽ issues have been dictated either by
self-interest pro-business, pro-REALTORŽ, or pro-development or by our constituents first-time buyers, property
owners, landlords, etc. There was no mechanism to determine social policy, i.e., the greater good. Embracing QOL makes
the communities where we live our constituents, and, in turn, giving the Association that mechanism. It has considerable
implications for both LSTAR's Government Relations initiatives and community engagement activities.
Ontario REALTORS CareŽ Foundation
In 2022, LSTAR continued to honour its pledge to the Ontario REALTORS CareŽ Foundation's Every REALTORŽ
Campaign in the amount of $2.00 per member/per month. The Foundation's mission is, "to advance the Foundation's
philanthropy by enabling REALTORŽ Members and real estate boards to practice effective and ethical fundraising in
support of shelter-related causes in Ontario."
The Foundation defines shelter as "a refuge, haven or protection that provides or improves quality of life from hunger, the
elements, physical/psychological abuse, disabilities and illness."
In 2022, the Foundation provided more than $1 million in grants to shelter-based organizations across Ontario
communities. LSTAR's support of the Foundation has deep historical roots. In its earliest days, LSTAR Member Peter
Whatmore chaired it. In 2014, LSTAR Past President Barb Whitney served as the Foundation's Western Ontario Director,
then 2015 President-Elect, and 2016 President. In 2019, LSTAR Member Heather Arnott was named the Foundation's
Western Ontario Director, then 2020 President-Elect, and 2021 President.
QUALITY OF LIFE PRINCIPLES
Principle 1: Ensuring Economic Vitality
Principle 2: Providing Housing Opportunities
Principle 3: Preserving Our Environment
Principle 4: Protecting Home Owners
Principle 5: Building Better Communities