“I love the idea of donating half the fee to a charity and feel comfort that there’s a third party involved collecting my deposit. We want to celebrate the Games and have a great time, and knowing we’re helping give back to the host city will make it that much more memorable.”
–Andrea Clements, Calgary visitor
Home For The Games founder and home stay host featured on weekend news program
November 8, 2009
VANCOUVER, BC – Charles Montgomery, founder of Home For The Games and Andrea Vinet, a home stay host, appeared on the Global BC TV Weekend Morning News on Saturday, November 7. The pair was interviewed by news anchor Sophie Louie and answered questions about their involvement with Home For The Games.
Montgomery explained how the program works, shared insight into its history and provided an update on progress since its launch in mid-August. He’s thrilled that the idea to unite Metro Vancouver hosts with Olympic visitors in support of charity that he and his housemates conceived around his kitchen table has been so positively received.
“The response has been tremendous! We have almost 90 rooms listed and one quarter of those have been booked by visitors. The numbers are growing steadily as people hear about the program and we’re just beginning to promote the program nationally and internationally.”
Vinet is one of those hosts impressed by the objectives of Home For The Games and was one of the first to list her southeast Vancouver home. The money she’ll earn is secondary; she’s motivated by the opportunity to help out, have fun and meet new people and make the Games a positive experience.
“I had been thinking about renting the guest room in my home, but when I heard about Home For The Games and its connection to charity, I was inspired to act. Sure, I want to earn money, but knowing I’m also helping people less fortunate than me is a good feeling. And I’m excited about meeting new people from across Canada and around the world,” said Vinet.
She has fond memories of the 1976 Winter Olympics in Montreal when her mother hosted visitors from the United Kingdom and United States. A teenager at the time, Andrea recalls her fascination getting to know the guests who stayed in her home. She hopes for a similar experience during the 2010 Winter Games, when she’ll get to play host.
Vinet’s enthusiasm to welcome the world and make a positive difference in her community is being embraced by the citizens of Metro Vancouver. Home For Games received a spike in visits to its website and a 10 per cent increase in new room listings after the Saturday Morning News appearance.
“We’re using the energy of the Games to bring people together for a shared experience and cultural exchange, create opportunities for friendship and generosity, and help those less fortunate than ourselves,” said Montgomery. “We’re delighted by the support the citizens of Metro Vancouver are showing for the cause by listing their homes with Home For The Games.”
To learn more how more about Home For The Games and how you can get involved, visit www.homeforthegames.com
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