With the Federal election now behind us, hopefully, regardless of how you and other Canadians voted, there is a renewed sense of optimism and unity that helps to deliver some positive outcomes for us all. I am also hoping that the results of this election will help to create more stability in the minds of buyers, sellers, and investors which then encourages them to make decisions with greater confidence in order to re-stimulate what is, at present, a relatively inactive housing market.

Time will tell.

If you or those you know have any real estate matters with which you’d like to discuss, please reach out. I’m happy to have those conversations.

EASTER COLOURING CONTEST:

Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s Easter Colouring Contest! I loved receiving these entries and hearing stories from parents about how hard their child(ren) worked on the entry and how much fun they had creating it. Special congratulations to 7-year old Jordan who was selected by random draw as this year’s recipient of the Easter prize package. I hope everyone considers entering again next year.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

As you are most likely aware, there was a tragic incident that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on April 26th. I would like to use this opportunity to share some information on a good friend of mine who was at that event. It is a story I’ve shared once previously on my personal Facebook page.

This photo is of my good friend, AJ. He was one of the many individuals tragically struck by a vehicle at the recent Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.

I first met AJ years ago when he was a barber at Mala Fade in Surrey. He is now a barber at Haides in both Surrey and in Langley, and, like others, I have had the pleasure of sitting in his chair and enjoying his company and conversation every couple of weeks for years.

When I first sat in his chair, we hit it off right away. We talked about sports and business. He was keen to ask questions and genuinely listened. It wasn’t just conversation for the sake of conversation. It was conversation with sincerity, interest, and care.

Over time, the trust and connection between us grew, and topics of conversation deepened. We talked about things that matter most: our love of family, our interests, our passions, our goals, and our dreams – for both ourselves and the ones we love.

We shared stories and laughter – we shared handshakes and hugs.

I introduced him to my boys – instantly they took to him – and each of them has since sat in his chair many many times. He is beloved by us all and has become part of the family.

This past Christmas, we invited AJ to attend a breakfast with Santa event that my family has enjoyed annually for over a decade.

Those who know me well, know how fiercely protective I am of my family, so for me to invite AJ to join us and share the day with us, speaks to my trust in him, the quality of his character, and how dear his friendship is to me.

The list of adjectives to describe AJ is long. He is kind; he is joyful; he is genuine; he is caring. He radiates positive energy, and to know him is to love him.

At present, AJ is currently in hospital. He suffered cardiac arrest shortly after the incident, he has since undergone emergency brain surgery and has received surgery and treatment for a litany of additional injuries. Undoubtedly, my friend’s life has been forever altered by this incident, but I am optimistic with the knowledge that my friend’s spirit is resilient and that his will is strong that he will fight. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be a long one, and he will likely require much support – the extent of which is still unknown.

My heart goes out to AJ and his beautiful cousin Jendhel (who was killed at this same event), and to the entire Sico family, the Filipino community, and all those directly and indirectly affected by this senseless, shocking, and horrific act.

When I asked AJ’s girlfriend, Vanessa, what I can do, at this time, to assist, she requested that I share AJ’s story and the fundraising efforts underway to support his recovery.

So, that is what I’m writing with the intent to do.

I’m writing to ask that, if able, you support AJ by sharing this message and contribute to his Go Fund Me account – a link to which is provided here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-aj-sico-after-lapu-lapu-tragedy

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this.

Take care of yourselves and each other.