The Greater Toronto Association of Realtors kicked off its promotion of the upcoming National Real Estate Day, which will take place on May 17, with board president Larry Cerqua hitting the airwaves on Toronto’s Breakfast Television.

The on-air promotion, which took place on May 12, included a grand prize giveaway for a $3,000 Rona Home and Garden gift card. Cerqua also highlighted the importance of homeownership.

“We know how hard Canadians work to achieve the dream of homeownership and as Realtors we are privileged to be a part of the process that helps guide them to reach that dream,” Cerqua said in a press release. "Nothing is more rewarding than to watch a young family, or a first-time buyer get the keys to their new home. It’s an achievement and one of the largest financial investments you’ll make.”

Cerqua pointed to a 2015 Habit For Humanity research project that noted the positive impact of homeownership on the lives of families and the great increase it brings to civic involvement and charitable support for communities.

“As a Realtor with more than 30 years experience, I say with much confidence that this is more than just a ‘job,'" Cerqua said. "It’s a passion for many of us Realtor and nothing compares to the satisfaction you feel when you see your client’s hard work pay off and how becoming a homeowner positively impacted their lives."