Bradford's Royal LePage RCR Realty team got together last Friday for a little festive fun, all while supporting area kids in need.
Every year, the team usually gets together at the office for a small soiree of egg nog, cookies and lunch while collecting toys for charity.
This year was extra special, after having to cancel last year's celebrations due to Covid.
Branch Manager Damon Sharpe says the team has always done something to give back during the holidays and Thanksgiving, whether a food drive or toy drive. One year they even adopted a family, with team members getting to go out and shop to help fulfill their Christmas wishlist.
Sharpe lives in King but says the Bradford office is like home to him.
"I love this place," said Sharpe. "I spend all my time here, I'm a Bradford guy now," he laughed.
He said when he first transferred to the office in 2018, he was unsure of how he would fit in but has built strong friendships with the team.
It was difficult for Sharpe to have to close the office when the pandemic hit in March 2020. He says working from home was not the same, and was relieved when clients and agents were once again allowed to resume in-person meetings on site last summer.
"We can do business and not need this office," he explained, "But we prefer to have that collaboration."
Agent Peter Ferragine came bearing a bagful of gifts including board games and Barbies, while Robin Evans came to the party straight from the store, where he had picked up a brand new bright green GT snow racer for the toy drive.
Across the street, business partners Kevin Tetreault and Melissa Douglas from Douglas Law Firm joined in the fun, with a sack full of presents to add to the pile of gifts under the holiday tree set up in the front reception area.
Tetreault, the oldest of 11 in his family, says he understands personally how important it is for every child to receive their own special gift at Christmas.
"Everyone has a soft spot (for toy drives)," he said.
Recently, The Ferragine Team with Royal LePage Bradford took home the Business Excellence Award at the Bradford Board of Trade Awards Gala.
Ferragine says it was a nice surprise and felt honoured to be recognized by the community.
"It was awesome, it was shocking because there were a lot of people nominated for that award," said Ferragine.
All the toys collected from the drive are combined with the Newmarket branch's and donated to the Holiday Heroes Toy Drive by York Regional Police, and then distributed to local children in need this holiday season.
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at either branch until Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. The Bradford branch is located at 140 Holland St. West, Unit 3.
