Event Coverage

Realtors give back to seniors in their communities through RSVP

One elderly gentleman was just recovering from a fall and a bout with pneumonia; another elderly married couple from South San Francisco explained the husband, 82, had undergone a triple bypass a few years ago and his wife, 70, has emphysema.

“We try to get things done together, but it takes us a while. We both can’t stand for very long and run out of breath,” the wife explained.

The volunteers are Realtors and affiliates from the Peninsula and South Bay – over 170 are SAMCAR members, who are taking time out from their busy work schedules this week to participate in RSVP – SAMCAR’s Realtor Service Volunteer Program. RSVP is an outreach program in which Realtors and affiliates help seniors and the homebound with household tasks which they cannot do on their own.

It is the first time the South San Francisco couple availed of the Realtors’ services.

“Nobody has ever asked us if we needed help in getting things done. It’s just overwhelming for us and it’s just so nice of you all to come and help us,” they exclaimed, as Realtors Pam Long and Sol Abraham proceeded to wash their windows and mop their kitchen floor.

At a San Bruno home, Realtors Marcus Wilson and Scott Cannel washed the outside windows of the house, while Anne Oliva, Denise Baker and Haydee Navarro vacuumed, dusted and flipped the elderly homeowner’s mattress.

“It’s like a miracle for me,” the 76-year-old senior exclaimed. “It’s wonderful that these young people can do this. I try to do things on my own, but there are just certain things that are completely out of my reach. I just think it’s wonderful they are here.”

Oliva, who co-chairs the SAMCAR RSVP Committee with Baker, noted that Realtors and affiliates are just happy to give back to the community. In her Marshall Realty office in San Bruno, every employee is an RSVP volunteer.

“We just have a blast,” said Oliva. “We go out in groups and just have a good time.”

Throughout this week, SAMCAR Realtors and affiliates in San Mateo County are reaching out to senior residents and helping them with various household chores the seniors can no longer do alone. Some groups will cover as many as five homes a day, said Oliva.

Navarro remarked, “These are things we take for granted in our lives that people need help with. It’s good to know that we can help.”

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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