Meet Ellyn Mendham, CREB®’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year – Marilyn Jones Memorial Award recipient.
This award is presented annually to a CREB® member who embodies the spirit of volunteerism, makes outstanding contributions to the real estate industry, and inspires others to do the same.
As REALTOR® for over 40 years, Ellyn is no exception to these standards. In 1993, she became CREB®'s 50th president of the board and has spent decades volunteering on numerous CREB® committees before serving as Chair of CREB®’s Critical Illness Benefit Society (CIBS) in 2017.
In addition to her involvement with CREB®, Ellyn has dedicated much of her time to organized real estate, chairing the Real Estate Insurance Exchange and serving on the Alberta Real Estate Association’s board of directors.
Ellyn recently joined us to talk about the significance of the award and the importance of giving back.
CREB®: What does it mean to you to receive this award?
Ellyn: Receiving this award is amazing! Marilyn Jones was a friend of mine, and someone who I often volunteered with on various committees at CREB®, so the award has an extra special meaning to me.
CREB®: How does it feel to be recognized by your peers in such a positive and meaningful way?
Ellyn: Recognition by my peers for something that I love doing is truly heart-warming. Marilyn was an inspiration throughout her entire career, and to be honoured in her name is just remarkable.
CREB®: Why do you feel it is important to give back to the community and to industry?
Ellyn: I believe that giving back is the key to making our industry more professional. Every time I volunteer, I learn something new and I become a better person; the people that I volunteer with help me grow both personally and professionally.
CREB®: What inspired you to get actively involved with CREB®, and why do you think other REALTORS® should volunteer their time?
Ellyn: Years ago, I kept asking the powers that be “why are you doing it that way?” A CREB® president suggested that I join a committee – one that didn’t interest me at all – to find out “why”. I soon learned the reasons and rationale of how and why things are handled in a certain way, and I met other volunteers who made me realize that I could actually have some influence and be a real contributor – all by volunteering.
I highly suggest that other REALTORS® get involved through volunteering to really learn about our board and be willing to help make a difference!
CREB®: Are there any specific charitable causes or local organizations you want to highlight?
Ellyn: One of my favorite benefits of our local board is CIBS. My time on that board was especially wonderful and I hope all our members realize how fortunate we are to be the only board in North America that offers our members a tax-free grant when they face certain health problems.
CREB®: What’s next for you? Which goals remain unaccomplished?
Ellyn: I hope to continue working and volunteering as long as possible – the combination of the two keeps my brain active!
CREB®: What’s one piece of advice you would give to REALTORS® who are just starting out in the industry?
Ellyn: I have three; ask questions, visit your office and find a mentor. There are so many great experienced and knowledgeable agents out there who are more than willing to help newcomers!
CREB®: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ellyn: I can’t say thank you enough to the folks that nominated me, and to Alan Tennant for his personal remarks when presenting me with the award. I felt honoured and truly recognized. It’s wonderful to feel that your contributions made a difference!
For more information on CREB®’s Volunteer of the Year, please click here.
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