Christmas came a little early for the Haven Society in Nanaimo, thanks to the staff of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB). As an annual fundraising effort VIREB staff enjoy casual Friday’s each week where jeans are viewed as acceptable office attire. To allow for the laid back look, the staff members make personal contributions into a collection jar that is donated each year to the Haven Society. This year’s presentation saw $535 and two gently used computers donated to the group. Haven’s Resource Development Coordinator Sarah Dymock accepted the gift from VIREB Board of Director’s member Jennifer Merrilees and VIREB’s IT Director Jason Conway on December 14. The Haven Society has been created to provide services to women, children, youth and families who have experienced violence. The organization operates a number of programs including those dealing with shelter, counseling and victim’s outreach. The VIREB donation will help ensure the Society can continue its important work.