Sergey Korostensky and his team at Comox Realty have donated $30,000 to Habitat for Humanity to help families in southern Alberta access affordable housing.

Korostensky, owner of Comox Realty, said his team has been setting aside a portion of its commissions since 2017 to support the non-profit’s work.

“The story started back in 2017 when I started building my real estate team. In 2022, I became the owner of Comox Realty Group. What we were trying to do as a group of Realtors is to support a worthy cause,” Korostensky said.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps families and individuals in need access safe, decent and affordable housing. It relies on financial donations, volunteer labour, and community partnerships to build homes, which are then sold to qualified families at an affordable price through non-profit mortgages.

He said Habitat for Humanity was a natural fit because of its commitment to providing homes for families who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

“We just know for Habitat for Humanity’s dedication, helping families here in southern Alberta, and our team wanted to expand that passion to create opportunity for those in need and people who need affordable housing,” he said.

Korostensky said the team contributes part of every sale to the fund.

“Last time we were able to donate $11,400, it was back in 2022, and now here we are. We saved $30,000, so this is something that we’re going to be doing today,” he said.

He said Habitat’s model of providing families with a place to live and the possibility of eventually owning their home makes the organization especially impactful.

“What I found, they can also buy them out in some cases, or they can save on down payment by living in those units, and in the future buy their own home. So for many people who use Habitat for Humanity, it’s a step to own a home in the future, and this is amazing,” he said.

Korostensky said the donation is meaningful to him and his team.

“Obviously, I feel amazing, because this is something that makes you part of the community,” he said. “People don’t even know sometimes who the donor is. They just know that somebody in this world came toward them and gave them a hand. And so when you know you’re one of them, it just makes you feel amazing.”

He praised Habitat for Humanity for bringing both donated funds and volunteer labour together to make housing possible for those in need.