Canada’s mortgage brokers, lenders and suppliers joined forces recently to help raise over $22,000 to support Kids at Risk Embracing Success (KARES), which helps youth throughout Canada.

The Canadian Mortgage Industry raised the funds for KARES during the annual Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association’s (CMBA) Ontario gala which featured a presentation by KARES founding committee members Frances Hinojosa and Barbara Cook.

Event organizers and KARES committee members said in an announcement that they surpassed their goals by raising over $22,000 during the event and are grateful for the support. 

“It was deeply moving,” Hinojosa said. “We didn’t expect such a large flood of giving in one evening. It’s incredible the enormous impact our industry can have when we come together.”

KARES is a Canadawide charity program of the Canadian mortgage industry and focuses on youth ages 16 to 24. Many at-risk kids in this age group lose their way and face drug addiction, homelessness and abuse. KARES works to support these children through education and works skills programs, financial literacy, housing and mental health services, according to the announcement.

KARES co-founder Meryll Dreyer said the program is vital to ensuring a better future for at-risk young people.

“By supporting Kares.ca programs and services that help at-risk youth reach their potential, we’re not only giving the gift of a better future, but we’re also offering a brighter future for both our local communities and Canada as a whole,” Dreyer said.