PROUD TO SUPPORT SIMONNE DURETTE – RECIPIENT FOR 2ND QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • June 25, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $2,500 to Simonne Durette, Recipient of the 2nd Quarter vote of 2020.

Originally born in Manitoba, Simonne Durette is a First Nations young woman who was raised in foster care, and by family members. Sadly, her Mother was not capable of parenting her due to drug and alcohol addiction. Simonne has taken care of her grandmother, who has dementia, every day for the past 13 years, giving up many adolescent activities out of love for the one person she feels deeply bonded with. Simonne was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) as a child and struggled with learning throughout elementary and high school, alongside dealing with many traumas. And yet, she overcame these obstacles graduating from high school when she was 18.

Simonne has struggled with FAS & many major traumas throughout her life, being abandoned by her Mom, and living in foster care. Going to college to study animation is her dream yet she does not have the financial resources to achieve this dream.

Thank you to Laura MacCormack for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
Simonne and I met when she was just 9 years old through Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland mentor program. Originally born in Manitoba, she is a First Nations young woman who was raised in foster care, and by family members. Sadly, her Mother was not capable of parenting her due to drug and alcohol addiction. She took care of her grandmother, who has dementia, every day for the past 13 years, giving up many adolescent activities out of love for the one person she feels deeply bonded with. Simonne was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) as a child and struggled with learning throughout elementary and high school, alongside dealing with many traumas. And yet, she overcame these obstacles graduating from high school when she was 18.

She is now 22 years old and just moved out on her own for the very first time. With everything she was dealt in life, she could have gone down a very different path but Simonne has a beautiful heart and generous spirit, she continues to grow and learn every day. An incredible artist she dreams of going to art school to study animation and have a career in this field. She would be the first person in her family to go to college and it would be an incredible accomplishment. Unfortunately, Simonne does not have the support of her First Nations band financially as she has grown up in BC and her band is through her father who she does not know. She has no financial support to go to school and is currently on government disability assistance. This award would encourage her to take the next big step in her growth and realize her dreams. I am determined to see her life turn around and for her to have the opportunities so many of us take for granted.

Simonne is my Little Sister in the Big Sister program. She has struggled with FAS & many major traumas throughout her life, being abandoned by her Mom, and living in foster care. Going to college to study animation is her dream yet she does not have the financial resources to achieve this dream.

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PROUD TO SUPPORT Christine Buemann RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • March 10, 2025

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Christine Buemann our Recipient of the 1ST Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Sabeena Bubber for bringing this Cause to our attention. Christine Buemann has been a dedicated supporter of the mortgage industry and a well-respected figure among brokers across Canada. She has given so much to our community—now, it’s time for us to give back. In December 2022, Christine was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that had already spread beyond her breast. She fought with everything she had, enduring surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—all while navigating a painful marital breakup and caring for her two young sons. By March 2024, she celebrated being cancer-free. But just months later, in December, she was rushed to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a 2 cm tumour in her brain. Christine was airlifted for emergency brain surgery, and while the tumour was successfully removed, the pathology confirmed it was metastatic—her cancer had reached Stage 4. Now, Christine faces another grueling battle. She is awaiting brain radiation and undergoing treatments to stop further spread. Her body is still recovering from the trauma of surgery, and she is being forced into menopause to slow the cancer’s progression. On top of everything, Christine just sold her home before discovering the tumor. She must move by April 1st and find stable housing for her and her boys—all while continuing out-of-town treatments and continuing to work to support her family. We are calling on Brokers Who Care and anyone who can help. Christine has given so much to our industry; now, let’s rally behind her. Let’s ease her financial burden so she can focus on what matters most—healing and being there for her children. Your support can make a difference. Let’s show Christine that we care. Vote for Christine.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Nicole Mihm RECIPIENT 1ST QUARTER 2025

By Brokers Who Care • March 10, 2025

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Nicole Mihm our Recipient of the 1ST Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Amber Mihm & Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. At just 31 years old, Nicole has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, a devastating shock to our family. But one thing is certain—she won’t fight alone. Nicole faces significant challenges, including a rare condition that limits her chemotherapy options and a K-Ras genetic mutation that makes her cancer more aggressive. She has already undergone surgery to have a port placed in her chest, and while she remains strong and optimistic, the road ahead is uncertain. Through it all, Nicole’s spirit remains bubbly, hopeful, and full of life. She has a unique ability to make people feel seen and heard, befriending strangers in minutes while keeping lifelong friendships. She loves animals, gardening, and collecting Snoopy memorabilia—before cancer, you’d find her nurturing plants or playing with her nieces and nephews. However, the financial strain is immense. Nicole does not have employer-provided income benefits, leaving her with significant out-of-pocket medical expenses. This $10,000 donation would provide crucial relief, allowing her to focus on healing rather than financial stress. We don’t know what the future holds, but Nicole is worthy of every ounce of support. This incredible community has the power to make a real difference in her fight. Please vote for Nicole, giving her the gift of financial relief so she can focus on what matters most—fighting, healing, and staying as bright and positive as ever.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Crystal Richelle & Glen Gordon Spark RECIPIENT 4TH QUARTER 2024

By Brokers Who Care • December 11, 2024

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Crystal Richelle & Glen Gordon Spark , our Recipient of the 4th Quarter 2024 vote. Thank you Carmela Addante for bringing this Cause to our attention. Their Story: The Sparks family is enduring immense financial and emotional strain due to Glen’s ongoing health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, treatments, and a recent spinal surgery to address a fracture. His recovery will require at least six weeks, during which family support is critical. Glen, despite his severe symptoms, continues to manage his self-employed business whenever possible, even from his hospital bed. However, his reduced capacity has significantly impacted the family's income. Crystal works at a local preschool but has had to take time off to care for Glen and manage his appointments, leaving her unable to fully meet the household’s financial needs. The family, including their three children, is working tirelessly to maintain stability—balancing school, work, and providing care. Unfortunately, they are now two mortgage payments behind, with overdue utility bills on payment plans, and their mortgage renewal is looming in February. Their situation worsened recently when their daughter was involved in a car accident, totaling the second family vehicle. Thankfully, everyone is unharmed, but the loss of the car adds to their challenges. The vehicle was essential for Glen’s medical appointments and the daughter’s job. Crystal is overwhelmed, trying to hold everything together under these crushing circumstances. This grant would provide vital relief, covering overdue expenses to secure their mortgage renewal, and help stabilize their finances during this difficult time. Supporting the Sparks family now will ensure they can focus on recovery and rebuilding without the constant weight of financial uncertainty. Thank you for considering this family in their time of need.