Donor Spotlight

Giving in a New Way

Meet Tracey Appleton

Tracey Appleton is truly a gem! She embodies what it means to give – not just money, but time, energy, service and literal sweat, to support the causes and communities that mean a lot to her. From biologist to real estate agent to fundraiser – this Alberta native made Waterloo Region her home in 1995 and never looked back.

Even though I wasn’t born here, I feel really connected to the region,” she said. Her giving profile demonstrates this connection. She taught part time at Laurier University, served on the boards of several non-profits; the first of which was Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR), as Board Chair and in other capacities.

“It was Jennifer Horner [daughter of the late Jocelyn Horner] who suggested that I apply to be on the board here and that’s how I got involved initially,” she explained.  With no prior experience but a zeal for advocating for the empowerment of women, she saw an opportunity to make a difference through this organization. She considers herself very fortunate to have never personally experienced domestic violence but understands that it is a pervasive issue that needs attention.

 

It’s not a women’s problem, it’s a societal problem,” she noted. During her tenure she got to appreciate how nuanced the issue is and now understands that perpetrators of violence often have unresolved trauma themselves that manifests in this kind of behaviour.  Although this does not justify their actions, it does demonstrate that a holistic approach is needed to adequately deal with domestic violence at all levels.

Tracy has always seen the value of giving so it’s only natural that she would align herself with a firm that shares similar values. Through its Shelter Foundation, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty provides an opportunity for agents to raise thousands of dollars individually, which culminates in trekking around the world. Tracey joins over 100 fellow agents biennially, to crowdfund in support of local women’s shelter and national domestic violence prevention programs before setting out on an epic trekking adventure. Last year, together they raised a staggering $1.7 million, in Ecuador, setting a record for the most money raised by a single Royal LePage Shelter Foundation event. Previous treks included Purcell Mountains (2021), Sahara Desert (2019), Iceland (2017), and Machu Picchu (2015). The next will be in Cambodia.

It’s not a women’s problem, it’s a societal problem.

— Tracey Appleton, WCSWR Donor

The treks are physically demanding, with chilly nights camping in tents, hiking in adverse weather conditions and precarious terrain, but Tracey commits to this adventure biennially, because of the awareness it generates for the cause. Each day agents (many of whom are survivors) share stories and experiences, create bonds and have uncomfortable but necessary conversations about domestic violence. Her commitment also includes paying her way on each trip and raising at least $6,000 prior to the trip, to be eligible for each trek. It’s quite a feat but Tracey speaks for her colleagues when she says, “we care about this… there is such a great sense of pride”.

There are many ways to give, but Tracy believes that being a third-party fundraiser on behalf of WCSWR is the best way that she can make her contribution. She explained, “I get a dopamine rush each time I get a donation towards this cause. Fundraising gives you a chance to not only raise money but raise awareness about an issue and you have the opportunity to do that among a lot of people – that is the real value of choosing to fundraise.”

Skip to content