Press Releases
Realtor Service Volunteer Program (RSVP) assists over 350 seniors on the Peninsula and in the South Bay
- For Immediate Release -
"Today I was visited by three wonderful folks. They came as members of the volunteers to help the elderly with things around the house. … (and) made today better than Christmas! I can't say enough about how wonderful they are and what a great job they did for me. I am forever grateful that you have this service."
These words were written by a senior citizen to the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR). She thanked volunteers from the trade associations who recently visited her home and assisted her with household tasks as part of their Realtor Service Volunteer Program (RSVP).
During the week of May 8-13, 500 Realtor and Affiliate members of SILVAR and and the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® visited a total of 352 homes of seniors and the homebound on the Peninsula and South Bay. They washed windows, replaced light bulbs, cleaned gutters, changed smoke detector batteries and furnace filters, repaired faucets, strapped water heaters, turned over mattresses and even planted flowers for seniors who are otherwise unable to do these tasks. In the Los Altos and Mountain View areas alone, volunteers provided the service to 46 homes.
RSVP was adopted as an official association community outreach project in 2002, and
David Barca, RSVP Committee Chair, is very pleased the program continues to grow each year.
"RSVP has been equally rewarding for both sides, giving members the opportunity to get involved and give back to their communities by helping seniors who cannot do regular maintenance work in their homes," said Barca. "You can't explain how good you feel, especially when you see the smiles on the faces of these folks, some of whom are over 80 years old and can't do a lot of things on their own."
In addition to the help they receive from volunteers, Barca noted, there is the company. "These folks don't get a lot of visitors, and it means a lot to them that people care enough to come into their homes, share a conversation and help them with some of these tasks. Some of our members have quietly adopted these seniors and regularly keep in touch with them even after the program. It's developed lasting friendships."
The visits are "delightful," said Barca and many seniors have become repeat customers. He chuckled as he remembered a 103-year-old woman, who has availed of the RSVP program for the past four years, bidding volunteers good-bye and saying, "I'll see you folks next year!"
The program takes place during the month of May, which is designated as "Adopt-A-Senior" Month.
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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR 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 Silicon Valley.
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 Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.