Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation - Giving Back, Making an Impact & The Motorcycle Ride for Charity

What happens when an entire profession decides to show up for the communities it serves?In Episode 398 of The MindShare Podcast, David Greenspan is joined by Shannon Ketelaars, Executive Director of the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation, for a live conversation about giving back, food and shelter insecurity across Ontario, the growth of the Foundation, and the upcoming 19th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Charity.This episode goes well beyond motorcycles.David and Shannon discuss the real need facing communities across Ontario, including food insecurity and shelter-related challenges, why the Foundation exists, how REALTORS® can get involved, and what the impact of collective giving can actually look like.Shannon also shares what's changed at the Foundation over the past year, including the continued growth of its programs, almost 50 years of impact, approximately $22 million raised to date, approximately $2.6 million raised last year, and roughly $1.5 million in grants expected to be distributed to charitable partners before the end of this year.Then the conversation flips.Shannon puts David in the hot seat to talk about his own experience participating in the Motorcycle Ride for Charity over the past three years, why MindShare101 continues to support the event, what first-time riders can expect, how to fundraise effectively, and some of the moments that have made the Ride so memorable.The 2026 Motorcycle Ride for Charity takes place September 23–24, travelling from Aurora to Calabogie on Day 1 and Calabogie to Belleville on Day 2.You can participate for one day, both days, or join along the route.And you do not need to be a REALTOR® to ride.If you don't ride, there are still plenty of ways to get involved - donate to a rider, support the Foundation, share the event, or bring your brokerage, board, or association into the conversation.Because when enough people each do a little bit, together we can do a whole lot.What You'll LearnWhat the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation actually doesWhy shelter and food insecurity are urgent issues across OntarioHow the Every REALTOR® Campaign worksHow ORCF ensures donations create real community impactWhat's changed at the Foundation over the past yearWhat nearly $22 million in fundraising has made possibleWhat first-time riders can expect from the Motorcycle Ride for CharityDavid's experience participating in the Ride over the past three yearsWhy every Ride feels differentHow to raise more money using multiple communication channelsWhat people can do to support the Ride even if they don't ride a motorcycleWhat REALTORS® can learn about community, purpose, relationships, and giving back00:00 — Why This Episode MattersMindShare101's fourth year supporting the RideGiving back beyond the transactionIntroducing Shannon Ketelaars04:19 — What Exactly Is the Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation?What ORCF doesWhy REALTORS® should careCommon misconceptions about the Foundation14:38 — Why Shelter & Food Insecurity Matter Right NowThe growing need across OntarioThe Every REALTOR® CampaignHow charitable organizations are supportedWhat collective giving can accomplish24:12 — What's Changed in One Year?ORCF's growthAlmost 50 years of impactApproximately $22 million raised to date$2.6 million raised last yearApproximately $1.5 million in upcoming grants31:40 — The Motorcycle Ride for CharityWhy the Ride is specialWhat first-time riders can expectThe experience beyond the fundraising37:16 — Shannon Interviews DavidThree years of riding experienceWhy every Ride is differentValue of the eventFundraising strategiesMemorable moments54:02 — The Ride Is Bigger Than MotorcyclesHow non-riders can supportDonationsCommunity involvementBrokerage, board, and association participation56:44 — 2026 Ride LogisticsRouteFoodHotelsEvent expectations1:02:51 — Final ChallengeOne thing every REALTOR® can doORCF's five-year visionHow the industry can help make it happenGiving back doesn't require the biggest cheque.It requires action.Ride.Donate.Share.Support.Get involved.The Ontario REALTORS Care® Foundation is approaching 50 years of impact because thousands of people have chosen to contribute in whatever way they could.The Motorcycle Ride for Charity is one more opportunity to bring people together around a bigger purpose - supporting food and shelter-related causes across Ontario.