RE/MAX agent, motorcycle enthusiast and die-hard champion of Children’s Miracle Network Bruce Johnson has been honoured with a 2019 Good Neighbour Award, presented by the National Association of Realtors. But in all honesty, the honour is ours to have this truly exceptional community member as part of the RE/MAX network.
The annual Good Neighbor Awards celebrate outstanding leaders of their charitable causes, and their stories. Bruce’s cause is particularly close to his heart. If you haven’t heard his story yet, Realtor Magazine recently published a piece that’s worth a read:
“Bruce Johnson’s daughter Alyssa never had the chance to feel the wind in her hair while zooming down the open road—a regret he held onto for years. So Johnson, an avid motorcyclist, introduced her to his favorite pastime in his own way on an extraordinary ride he took with his second daughter, Holly, now 18, in 2018—a six-month, 15,800-mile trek from the northernmost point in Canada to the southern tip of South America. Alyssa, who died in 1998 just 20 days after her birth, didn’t physically accompany them on the journey, of course. Johnson carried her in his heart. The memory of Alyssa motivated Johnson to take this trip and similar excursions before it. Alyssa was born with her vital organs outside her body, a condition known as omphalocele. Despite the best efforts of the doctors at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Alyssa suffered cardiac arrest and passed away in Johnson’s arms.”
Bruce’s personal experience with SickKids Hospital and the efforts of the Children’s Miracle Network led him to his active volunteerism and contributions to the foundation.
“We are so proud of Bruce Johnson and the entire Johnson family for their tireless fundraising efforts raising money for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals and the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund at SickKids,” said Wendy Dempsey, Associate Director of Cause Marketing at SickKids Foundation. “Bruce has traveled more that 60,000 kilometres, mostly with his daughter Holly, across North and South America on his epic Motorcycle for Miracle fundraising journeys. To date, Bruce has raised more than $800,000 that will help improve the lives of thousands of children. Funds raised support the highest priority needs in CMN partner hospitals, that include critical research, education, the purchase life-saving equipment, and ensure excellence in care.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Good Neighbor Awards program. During that time, $1.3 million in grants has been awarded to more than 200 nonprofits led by Realtors in 40 states and 15 countries, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in charitable fundraising and incalculable hours of volunteer time.
CMN President and CEO John Lauck described Johnson to Realtor Magazine as “an inspiration to RE/MAX agents across the world,” compelling more donors to step forward. “He’s a great motivator,” Lauck said. “He’s the high tide that lifts all boats.”
Bruce embarks on these charity rides every few years, to continue to share Alyssa’s story and encourage RE/MAX agents and brokers to also become donors through efforts such as RE/MAX’s Miracle Home Program, whereby they donate a portion of their commission from each transaction to Children’s Miracle Network. Which bring us back to the Good Neighbor Award.
Bruce was one of 10 nominees in 2019, and the first Canadian to ever be nominated.
Bravo Bruce, the entire RE/MAX network is so proud of you, and inspired.
