“I applaud the work the organizers of Home for the Games have done in leveraging the Games to help those who are most in need. Home For The Games is a great way for people to make a contribution towards ending homelessness in Vancouver as we host the world in 2010, and it’s an inspiring example of a positive community legacy from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”
–Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson
Wealthy American family turns B.C. Olympic getaway into charity bonanza
December 2, 2009
VANCOUVER, BC – A Washington State family wants to use the energy of the 2010 Olympics – and their own luxurious mountainside retreat in Whistler – to help raise money to combat homelessness. All they need now are guests.
George Peat is opening his family’s British Columbia vacation home to Olympic visitors and donating all proceeds to charity. Half the charity donation will benefit Home For The Games to help end homelessness. Home For The Games is a non-profit website that matches 2010 Olympic visitors with Whistler and Metro Vancouver hosts for more affordable short-term home stays, with half of the nightly fee directed to charitable organizations working to alleviate homelessness.
“Our family decided to list our home, At Nature’s Door, with Home For The Games because we all felt it was the best use for our home during the Olympics and it’s supporting a very good cause. We’re fortunate to have other options to stay in Whistler when we come up and donating the proceeds is an easy way to give back to those less fortunate,” said Peat.
Through homeforthegames.com, citizens can host 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games visitors from around the world, with proceeds going to charities Streetohome Foundation and Covenant House Vancouver.
Peat had been thinking about options for the use of their luxury home at the finish line of the Men's Downhill course on Whistler Mountain during the Olympics. When Peat heard about Home For The Games and its connection to charity, he recognized an opportunity to share the benefits of his successful business career – which has taken him from Alaska and Texas to Russia, Asia, the U.K. and the Middle East – with those less fortunate. He and his family divide their time between British Columbia, Washington State and southern England, and spend their winters skiing in Whistler.
“We’re immensely grateful to George for his generosity in donating his coveted luxury home to support an issue that is too prevalent in many North American cities. The compassion of George and his family will make a significant contribution in our goal to help end homelessness,” said Charles Montgomery, founder of Home For The Games.
Home For The Games both fuels and rewards generosity. There’s no fee to list or book a room on the website, and hosts will receive a tax receipt for the portion of the home stay fee that goes to charity. Hosts set their own rates, which will factor in such amenities as shared or private bath and whether breakfast is included, but are encouraged to set more affordable rates.
“We’re harnessing the energy of the Games to foster friendship, generosity and a cultural exchange while giving back to the community. Thanks to the generosity and compassion of people like George we’ll provide visitors with a positive and memorable Olympic experience and help our more vulnerable citizens. We invite visitors looking for a unique, socially-conscious accommodation experience to book a room through Home For The Games,” said Montgomery.
To list or book a room, or learn more about Home For The Games, visit the website www.homeforthegames.com
