Superbroker president wants to put an end to bullying

Each year CMP and MortgageBrokerNews.ca highlight the charitable endeavours of brokers across the country. In the first of this year’s series, we highlight one network head and his anti-bullying campaign, “I Am Someone.”

Each year CMP and MortgageBrokerNews.ca highlight the charitable endeavours of brokers across the country. In the first part of this year’s series, we highlight one network head and his anti-bullying campaign, “I Am Someone.”

“Our community has lost seven youths to suicide in the last two years alone; this has to be talked about and not swept under the rug,” Dominion Lending Centres Founder and President, Gary Mauris told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. “Bullying is a huge problem not only (with) kids and teenagers today but gay and lesbian, ethnic minorities and workplace (bullying).”

The campaign endeavours to put an end to bullying; its mission to “encourage, educate and empower individuals, businesses and communities to be the effective change to end bullying through community awareness and support, technology, and advocacy.”

Mauris founded “I Am Someone” in 2012, following the suicide of British Columbia’s Amanda Todd. His daughter was the same age as Todd at the time of her death.

"I was sad. I was just blown away," Mauris said to a local news source following Todd’s death. "Honestly, I had a lot of questions. How could it get this far?"

Currently in its second year, the “I am Someone” walk is set to take place on Sunday, December 9, in Port Coquitlam. The event is filled with musical performances, face painting, yoga, a seminar on Internet safety, theatre improv and, of course, the walk.

Mauris is currently working on expanding the effort to include brokers across Canada. And while there is a lot of work to be done, he believes he has effectively provided a guide on how to implement the strategy Canada wide.

“We will eventually be rolling this initiative out to the mortgage industry so others can spearhead the anti-bullying initiative in their communities with our blueprint, and technology,” Mauris said.

It’s not too late to take part. Check out the website for more information or to donate.