Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Florida Association of Realtors® Donates $30,000 To Realtor Tsunami Relief Effort

ORLANDO, Fla., February 2005 -- The Florida Association of Realtors®  (FAR) recently donated $30,000 to the REALTOR® Tsunami Relief Project, announced 2005 FAR President Frank Kowalski.  The project was created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) to solicit aid for the victims of the tsunami that ravaged large areas of Southeast Asia on Dec. 26, 2004. 

"Given the incredible generosity and outpouring of financial assistance that we in Florida experienced following the devastating hurricanes this past summer and fall, it is only right and fitting that we come to the aid of those left homeless by this disaster," Kowalski says. "FAR and Florida Realtors are extremely proud to sponsor three Realtor Villages, which will help the victims move out of temporary shelters in camps and take the first step toward rebuilding their lives." 

NAR and Habitat for Humanity International created a program to build these Realtor Villages made of "core houses," that, in some cases, will be built on the foundation of the previous homes. NAR pledged to raise $1 million for Habitat's reconstruction program, which will build 1,000 of these simple structures. 

Numerous local Realtor associations and Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) throughout Florida have joined in this effort to make a difference for the victims by doing what Realtors do best -- provide decent housing, Kowalski says. A total amount for contributions made by Florida Realtors and local boards/associations is not yet available as donations are still being accepted. Fundraising will continue through the end of February. 

NAR is absorbing all of the administrative costs of the Realtor Tsunami Relief Project; 100 percent of all donations go directly to Habitat for construction of the Realtor Villages. To contribute to NAR's relief effort by mail, checks should be made payable to the REALTOR® Tsunami Relief Project and sent to: REALTOR® Tsunami Relief Project, Attention: NAR Finance Division, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611.

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 120,000 members in 70 boards/associations.