For over 30 years, the name Glen Gordon has become synonymous with exceptional customer service. As a real estate agent, helping the community in and around London and as past president and proud member of the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors® (LSTAR), he has long been a supporter and advocate of local charities. However, there is another word that comes to mind when the name Glen Gordon is mentioned: curling.
Yes, it’s true. Glen Gordon loves to curl. Back in the day, he was a competitive curler, travelling to provincial tournaments as his team’s faithful Second. Gordon recalls many fond memories of that time of his life but as an accomplished and sought after realtor with family obligations, he made the decision to step back from the competitive curling circuit and concentrate on other aspects of his life. It wasn’t long however, before the love of the game took centre stage once again.
Gordon was a member of a men’s group that met regularly for socialization and bible study. Fred Hagglund, former director of Mission Services of London was also a member of that group. “One morning, Fred came to the meeting looking very upset.” Gordon explains. “He was close to tears, really.” The group soon learned that the government had pulled a substantial amount of funding from Mission Services of London. “That was pretty shocking,” says Gordon. Three weeks later, Hagglund informed them that even more funding had been cut from his programs. “I was really stricken by that,” Gordon remembers. “It really and truly hit my heart.”
Later that day, Gordon sat in his car, waiting for the light to change and asking God what he could do to help. “I just kept asking what I could possibly do. All I really know how to do is curl,” he explains. “Then it hit me. I could run a curling bonspiel.” This was the answer for which Glen had been searching. With no committee and no money, Glen put the wheels in motion beginning with booking the ice at a local arena. As Gordon sat with the arena manager, filling out the appropriate paperwork, this exciting new project found a name. “He asked me what the fundraiser was called,” recalls Gordon. The Mission Services of London Funspiel was born. “I didn’t have a committee or any teams but I remember thinking if I have to do it all by myself, so be it.”
Glen continued with his duties as a real estate agent and as a member of the board of directors of the LSTAR. During their monthly board meeting, Gordon realized how committed these directors were to Mission Services of London. The association had already been involved in the Homes for Hope pins since 1992. This essential fundraiser involves beautiful and unique, handcrafted pins. Proceeds from the sale of these pins support many Mission Services of London programs. The London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors® was more than happy to lend their support to this project as well. The board helped Gordon put together a committee, of which he became the chair. Teams were assembled, sponsors were gathered and before long, the Mission Services of London Funspiel began to take shape.
The first tournament was held in January of 1997, raising around $3000. Since then, more community partners have jumped on board to ensure the success of Mission Services of London’s many programs. “This is a public event open to anyone who’d like to put together a team,” says Gordon. “We’re seeing a whole lot of different groups coming together.” Gordon doesn’t hesitate to give credit to the hardworking and dedicated committee who have planned this event from year to year. “I’ve had the same committee for the last 10 years,” he explains. “These are fantastic people who I can trust to get the job done.”
Mission Services of London are immeasurably grateful to Glen Gordon, to his committee and to the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors® for their dedication to this fundraiser. At the LSTAR annual general meeting, held on April 24, 2012, Glen Gordon presented Mission Services of London Executive Director Peter Rozeluk with the cheque from this year’s Funspiel. The amount: $11,807.33. This is an extraordinary achievement and one for which we give many thanks. To date, the Funspiel combined with the Homes for Hope pin sales have totalled over $200,000. Plans are already underway for Funspiel 2013. We’re fortunate to have such generous and committed community partners as Glen Gordon and the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors®.
Let us take this opportunity to thank Mr. Gordon and all the members of the 2012 committee:
Ken Harper
Sheryl Ross
Barb Ginson
Ron McDougall
Joan Butler
Martina Chateauvert
Ray Rochefort
Jim Lalonde
Tracy Marino
For information on how you can help click HERE
For more information on how you can get involved click HERE
For information on the Homes for Hope pins project click HERE
For information on the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors® click HERE