As the holiday season approaches, it’s once again time to come together as a community and share in the spirit of giving. The Sharing the Christmas Spirit Hamper Program is underway for another year, continuing a long-standing Comox Valley tradition of helping local families in need enjoy a brighter Christmas.

Founded in 1988, the program has grown steadily over the years and now provides food hampers to more than 500 families throughout the Comox Valley each holiday season. Each hamper is thoughtfully assembled to include 21 different non-perishable food items, a selection of perishable goods, and a complete turkey dinner, ensuring that every recipient family can enjoy a traditional holiday meal. In addition, every child in the household receives a toy or gift, bringing joy to the youngest members of our community.

One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in the generosity of local residents. Once individuals and families register to receive a hamper, they are matched with a sponsor—often a school, business, or individual—who creates a hamper tailored to that family. This personal touch makes each hamper unique and filled with care.

📦 Hamper registration opens November 1st
If you or someone you know could benefit from a hamper this year, please contact (250) 334-4913 to register.

To help fund this important initiative, the Raffle and 50/50 Fundraiser is now live at sharinghampers.rafflenexus.com. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, all generously donated by local supporters. You can also visit christmashamper.ca to purchase raffle tickets and learn more about how to get involved.

🎟️ Save the Date!
This year’s Hamper Dance will take place on November 29th, with tickets going on sale October 25th. It’s a wonderful evening of music, community, and generosity—all in support of the Hamper Program.

At the Comox Valley Homes Team, giving back to the community is an important part of what we do. This year, we are proud to contribute to the raffle by donating two tickets to the Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game on January 31, 2026, along with a $100 gift card—a prize package valued at $965. Proceeds from the raffle help provide food and gifts to families in need, making a real difference right here at home.

The Sharing the Christmas Spirit Hamper Program truly embodies what it means to be part of a caring and connected community. By working together, we can make the season brighter for hundreds of families and spread a little extra kindness where it’s needed most.

🎁 Purchase your raffle or 50/50 tickets today:
👉 sharinghampers.rafflenexus.com
or visit christmashamper.ca

Working as a real estate professional means regularly meeting new clients, hosting open houses, and visiting vacant properties—often alone. While most interactions are positive, it’s important to prioritize your personal safety. Thankfully, modern technology provides tools that can help realtors stay secure on the job.

Why Realtor Safety Matters

Realtors face unique risks. We often work unpredictable hours, advertise our whereabouts publicly, and are sometimes asked to show properties in remote areas. Unfortunately, there have been real-life incidents involving theft, harassment, and even violence against agents. As professionals, we must stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect ourselves.

Practical Safety Tips for Realtors

• Always vet new clients: Before meeting anyone in person, collect their full name, contact information, and pre-qualify them if possible. Share this information with your office or a colleague.

• Meet in public first: When working with someone new, consider arranging your first meeting at your office or a busy café.

• Let someone know your schedule: Share showing details and client names with a trusted colleague or assistant.

• Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t proceed. It’s okay to reschedule or request a colleague accompany you.

• Park smart: When showing homes, park where you can’t be blocked in. This ensures a quick exit if needed.

Using Technology: The e-Force App

One way to increase safety is to use personal security apps like e-Force (www.my-eforce.com). Designed for professionals in the field, e-Force allows you to discreetly signal for help with just one tap. Features include:

• Live GPS tracking: Share your real-time location with trusted contacts.

• Panic button: Trigger an alert silently, notifying emergency contacts and optionally local authorities.

• Check-in system: Set timers to check in after appointments, with automatic alerts if you don’t respond.

• Voice activation: Quickly activate alerts with voice commands in situations where you can’t use your hands.

Please note: I am not affiliated with or endorsing e-Force in any official capacity. I personally use the app and find it helpful, but this is not a sponsored post.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared and using tools like e-Force can go a long way in keeping real estate professionals safe. Let’s keep looking out for one another and make safety part of our everyday practice.

Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, and when you have a family, the stakes are even higher. The cozy bungalow that's perfect for a toddler might not be the ideal space for a teenager who needs privacy and a place to study. To make a smart investment that will serve your family for years to come, it's essential to think beyond your current needs and consider how your family's lifestyle will evolve.

Here's a guide to help you find the perfect family home, with tips on what to consider from the first walk-through to the final move-in day.

Location, Location, Location: More Than Just a Mantra

The old real estate adage is true, but for families, "location" means more than just a good address. It's about finding a community that supports your family's day-to-day life and future.

• School Catchment Areas: This is a top priority for many families. Before you even fall in love with a house, do your homework on the local schools. Most school districts have a "school locator" tool on their website where you can type in an address to see which schools a property is zoned for. Look at school ratings, read parent reviews, and check for any special programs or choice schools that might be a good fit for your children.

• Proximity to Parks and Amenities: A good neighborhood for kids is one with places to play. Are there parks, playgrounds, or green spaces within walking distance? How far is it to the local library, community center, or sports fields? A house near these amenities can be a lifesaver for busy parents and a hub for social activity for kids.

• The Neighborhood Vibe: Is the neighborhood family-friendly? The best way to find out is to become a local for a day. Visit the area on a weekend and take a walk around. Do you see other children playing outside? Are there bikes and toys in driveways? This can be a great indicator of the community's demographics.

The House Itself: A Home for All Ages

While a house's aesthetic appeal is important, its layout and features are what will truly determine its long-term suitability for your family.

• Layout and Flexibility: An open-concept floor plan is fantastic for keeping an eye on young children while you're in the kitchen, but it may not be ideal for a teenager who wants a quiet space to do homework. Consider a home with multiple living areas or a finished basement that can serve as a playroom for little ones and a hangout spot for older kids.

• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: As your family grows, so does the need for personal space. A house with enough bedrooms for each child (and an extra for a guest room or home office) is a significant long-term plus. And don't underestimate the value of having more than one bathroom, especially as kids get older and their morning routines get more complicated.

• Storage, Storage, Storage: Kids come with a lot of stuff—toys, books, sports equipment, and school projects. Look for a home with ample closet space, a large mudroom, or a basement that can be organized to keep clutter at bay.

• Safety and Accessibility: For families with toddlers, features like stairs without handrails or sharp corners might be a concern. When your children are grown, you might be thinking about aging parents or your own future mobility. A home with a ground-floor bedroom or the potential to add accessibility features could be a smart move.

The Backyard and Beyond: Your Private Retreat

The outdoor space is just as important as the indoor space, and for families, a backyard is often the heart of the home.

• Privacy and Greenspace: A private backyard offers a safe haven for kids to play and for the whole family to relax. Does the yard back onto a busy street or a public park? Does it back onto a greenspace or a quiet neighbor's yard? Consider how easily a fence could be added for privacy and security.

• Noise Levels: To get a true sense of a home's environment, visit the property at different times of the day and week. A quiet street on a Tuesday morning might be a different story on a Friday night. Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, or other sounds that could impact your family's peace and quiet.

Finding the perfect family home is a journey of balancing your current needs with your future aspirations. By taking the time to research the neighborhood, think about long-term functionality, and visit the property at different times, you can make a confident choice that will serve your family well for many years to come.

As both a real estate professional and a father of three, I know firsthand how important it is to find a home that adapts to a family’s changing needs. If you’re looking for a place that can grow with you, I’d be glad to help guide the process.