Project type: Million Tree Challenge
Year: 2018
Local real estate agent Marla Marnoch recently became a Partner in London’s Million Tree Challenge. Marnoch’s real estate business, Earmark, donates money to community initiatives. ReForest London has been added to the list of places to donate.
Marla Marnoch has an education in urban planning and community development. When she moved to London with her family, Marnoch looked at London’s diverse neighbourhoods. She met people who were doing community-building work. This happened at the same time she began her real estate career. She decided to support their work with the launch of Earmark, which “earmarks” a portion of each real estate sale. This money is donated to community-building projects.
ReForest London interviewed Marla Marnoch to learn more about Earmark:
ReForest London (RFL): What does social enterprise mean to you and your business?
Marla Marnoch (MM): Social enterprise allows me to combine my two passions: community building and real estate. It allows me and my clients to work with the change-makers who are creating an impact in London. It’s a shared interest with my clients, who want to use the biggest financial transactions in their lives to improve their communities, which, in turn, protects their investment – helping to build a great neighbourhood increases the value of their home.
RFL: Why is it important to you to give back to the community?
MM: I see communities as the canvas of our lives. Giving back to our communities, sharing our talents – this connects us to the people and places around us and creates a sense of belonging. I think this connection and participation is good for everyone and is fundamental to leading a fulfilling life.
RFL: Why do you feel ReForest London makes a good change-maker?
MM: In 2013, I did an informal survey asking what people loved about their neighbourhoods. The top answer? Trees. For me, it’s wonderful synchronicity now working with ReForest London. Trees add beauty and value to a property, and planting a tree is a perfect metaphor – you’re quite literally planting roots in your community. And I love the communal aspect of ReForest London’s neighbourhood tree-planting activity.
RFL: As a community builder, do you feel that trees are an important aspect in building healthier communities?
MM: Trees contribute to healthy communities in so many ways. They clean our air, help filter water and assist in rain runoff. They’re an essential aspect of walkable neighbourhoods promoting an active lifestyle. They add beauty and have been shown to help reduce stress. And that’s just some of the many benefits of trees.
RFL: Thank you for being a Million Tree Challenge Partner. What would you say to other businesses about London’s Million Tree Challenge and how they could help?
MM: Trees are essential in so many ways, and there are many ways you can participate in the Million Tree Challenge. Find one that resonates with you, and get started.
How does Earmark work?
- Choose to contribute to your community through real estate transactions.
- Choose the change-maker you want to support.
- To see a list of change-makers, and the projects others have supported, visit Earmark.ca.
- ReForest London is a charitable organization. This means you will receive a tax receipt for choosing ReForest London through Earmark. The amount of the tax receipt depends on the sale price of the home.
- Once you have made your move, your donation will be given to the organization or project you’ve chosen.
- 20% of the Earmark REALTOR®’s real estate commission is donated.
- If you’re buying and selling, you’ll get two Earmark rebates, one for the home purchase and the other for the home sale.
- You’ve just helped a favourite project, benefited your community, and have become part of the Earmark movement to make a difference in London!
Thank you Marla Marnoch for your excellent social enterprise and community building.
If anyone is thinking of buying a home, please check out what Earmark and tell all your friends and family about this win-win-win opportunity.