At TRREB, our Members tirelessly dedicate their time in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow through selfless acts and good deeds. TRREB is shining a spotlight on Members who go above and beyond with our David Rossi Committee Service Award and Community Service Awards.
Read on to learn more about this year’s winners, their stories and what drives them to volunteer.
David Rossi Committee Service Award Winner
TRREB recognizes Members devoted to the real estate profession who play an integral role in shaping the future of our Association.
Frank Farhangi
Volunteer: TRREB’s MLS® & Technology Committee
Since 2021, Frank has served on TRREB’s MLS® & Technology Committee. As an ambassador for TRREB, he supports professionalism and is passionate about technological advancements for Members. Frank believes “there is no benefit in complaining, but ideas actually matter a lot. If you have the right ideas and you’re open to sharing them, then you can see things come to reality.”
This award is named after TRREB Committee Volunteer and Honourary Life Member David Rossi. His dedication to TRREB and the real estate industry as a whole left a strong mark.
Community Service Award Winners
This year, the Communications & Member Engagement Committee and our Board of Directors chose three remarkable people who have put in countless hours striving for change. These awards are presented to TRREB Members who are focused on bettering their communities and working to serve others.
Ashlee Shutt
Charitable Organization: Morgan’s Hands
Through her charity created in honour of her late father, Ashlee tirelessly devotes her time to providing hot meals to the homeless throughout Toronto. Her dedication to bettering the lives of others is infectious as she continuously inspires volunteers to join in the cause. Whether it’s collecting clothing, organizing community meals, and helping those in need, she is bringing about change. Ashlee’s passion is fueled by the fact that “so many people are unheard and unrecognized in our community. We go to work every day and we see someone sitting on the corner and sleeping and we’ve gotten used to it. Letting people know that they are heard and seen is one of the most important things.”
Despina Zanganas
Charitable Organization: Lean In Canada
As the co-founder of Lean In Canada, Despina is dedicated to empowering women to build fulfilling careers. The organization provides women with learning opportunities, facilitates connections, builds their self-confidence, and organizes mentorships. Many women have said that being part of Lean In Canada has helped them advance in their careers and take bold steps they never thought possible. Despina doesn’t think that time restraints should deter others from volunteering. “If you only have an hour a day or an hour a week to volunteer, you can still volunteer.”
Liz Taylor
Charitable Organization: Wild-Maple Village
Liz Taylor is the Founder of Wild-Maple Village; an organization created to connect those in crisis with professional talk-therapists at no cost. Currently there are government programs in place to support mental health, but the waitlist can be over a year long. Liz recognized the need to expediate support for those struggling with depression, anxiety, and loss. Liz encourages others to “become part of the tribe and try volunteering if you can find the time – the world needs it.”
Watch TRREB’s David Rossi Committee Service Award winner and Community Service Award winners share why they are so dedicated to making an impact.
