REALTORS® are more than just a business partner and friend when you’re buying or selling a home — they are also your neighbours who are as dedicated to the health of your community as you are.
At the Annual MLS® Medallion Awards Gala that took place on March 7 — hosted by the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board (WRREB) — REALTOR® Ally Beauchesne was honoured with the WRREB Community Service Award for her outstanding volunteer work.
This prestigious award recognizes a local regional REALTOR® who has dedicated their time and effort to giving back to the community in a big way. Those REALTORS® who are nominated are evaluated on criteria such as the impact they have had on their community, how active they are in serving as a positive role model and mentor, along with proving a long-term commitment to community service that goes well beyond a single one-off effort. In these categories and many more, Ally has excelled.
Ally started her volunteering efforts in 2020, inspired by an article she read that was written by a friend, explaining how her family received hampers while she was growing up and how it was such a positive experience as a child. Having young children of her own, Ally felt gratitude for all that she had, knowing how so many families were struggling to afford groceries and put food on the table. In response, she organized the preparation of seven hampers in the project’s first year, naming the effort “The Hamper Project”.
Over the years since, her project has continued to grow and now includes the support of many people, including her fellow REALTORS®. Just this past year, The Hamper Project was able to put together enough food hampers to assist 102 families! These hampers went on to support families from Makoon Transition, Inspire Community Outreach and the Christmas Cheer Board.
“There are so many other worthwhile causes that REALTORS® are involved with in our community,” said Ally. “So I am so grateful that so many of our colleagues — I wouldn't be surprised if it was over 100 REALTORS® last year! — chose to believe in my project and support it accordingly. We had REALTORS® donating sums of money, some doing large food/toy drives and then donating them to the project, we had REALTORS® shopping off my Amazon Wish List in droves! It was really incredible and also built a community for me within the larger REALTOR® community. We also had so many REALTORS® coming to help organize, wrap presents, deliver hampers, etc. I honestly cannot believe how amazing everyone was and so generous with their time and hard earned money.”
Ally is a true leader whose compassion and dedication make her the ideal candidate for this award. The Hamper Project, a massive initiative she runs from her own home, is just one example of her selflessness.
“Ally's impact and leadership are so profound,” said Daphne Shepherd, 2024-2025 President of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board, “that she inspired a jewelry artist to donate 100% of their proceeds toward the project, rallied a community to collect and sell books to fund essential support items, and mobilized countless others to join her spirited mission. Ally’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts is a stunning testament to what true community service looks like.”
Beyond The Hamper Project, Ally is always the first to step up and volunteer for events and committees, offering her time, energy and expertise wherever needed. Her unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact, both in major projects and day-to-day contributions, sets her apart as a true community champion highly deserving of this award.
“Ally is more than a mom, wife, and REALTOR® — she is a force of compassion, a catalyst for change, and the embodiment of selfless leadership,” adds Daphne. “Through her relentless, boots-on-the-ground efforts in The Hamper Project, she is not just providing necessities to families during the holiday season, she is restoring hope and dignity to those in need. Her unwavering dedication has set a benchmark for what it means to serve, proving that one person’s passion can ignite an entire movement.”
In honour of her achievement, a $250 donation will be given to Ally’s charity of choice, plus a $100 donation will be given to her nominator’s charity of choice. In addition, Ally was given a custom-designed and personalized glass statuette that’s as unique as she is to commemorate her incredible achievement.
REALTORS® contribute to their communities in many different ways, from helping international organizations like Habitat for Humanity build complete homes for entire families, all the way down to innumerable grassroots initiatives right in their own neighbourhoods where they live and work.
REALTORS® are a part of your community, and are there to help you with some of your most important decisions. Connect with one today!