'Deals for Wheels' puts a van into service in Mississauga for families in need.

Susan Taylor, Chairperson of the Royal LePage Shelter committee for the 1900 Dundas Street office, realtor and community council member for the Peel Family Shelter, says her committee stepped up to the plate to acquire an important resource for families staying at the Region of Peel's Family Shelter in Mississauga.

The shelter is supported by both The Salvation Army and the Region of Peel. The Salvation Army manages the daily programming and staffing, while the facility is operated by the Region of Peel.

Peel Family Shelter operates 24-hours-a-day throughout the year providing emergency housing for homeless families. Designed to serve 37 families and up to 133 people.

Over the past year agents working with Royal LePage 1900 Dundas St. Real Estate donated a portion of their commissions to building a fund to purchase a van. These contributions, combined with several other events raised enough capital to purchase the new vehicle. A generous discount was included by Brian Posivy president of the Sheridan Ford dealership.

Christine Mitchell, office manager of 1900 Dundas Street, says, 'The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation supports more than 150 shelters across Canada which enables 30,000 families to live safe, healthy lives unhindered by violence.' She also adds that the funds raised over the last six years have exceeded four million dollars.

On April 7, 2006, the keys to the van were turned over to Joann Lameck, Executive Director of the Peel family Shelter. 'The van is a huge help for us,' says Lameck. Lameck gave one example of how this van would be of great use as she explained the need to transport families throughout all of Mississauga to aid them in seeking permanent housing.