Watching events worsen in Fort McMurray, Colliers International SVP Malcolm Earle felt he had to do something. “This isn’t an earthquake in Nepal or a mass flood in India. This is our people—our family, friends, colleagues and co-workers." They're Canadians, "and they happen to be our neighbours. If there’s a time to step up, it’s now.” So Malcolm (top left) banded together with his fiercest competition—(clockwise from right) Avison Young principal Robert Gritten; CBRE EVP / managing director Norm Taylor; JLL EVP Bruno Fiorvento; and Cushman & Wakefield SVP Sean Ungemach—to help raise nearly $300k for the relief effort.

Collective donations to the Canadian Red Cross Fort McMurray appeal came to $96,718, and with the Alberta and federal governments matching those contributions the total raised was $290,154. Malcolm says the initiative was strictly a BC-based one, and that the companies he reached out to jumped at the chance. “Everyone rolled up their sleeves and the money started flying in fast and furiously at each firm.” (For its part, the Colliers Vancouver office donated the proceeds from a 50/50 draw to the campaign.)

Above, PM Justin Trudeau is seen greeting Red Cross workers last month. Malcolm admits it was a mind-blower, witnessing his rivals join forces for a good cause. “We’re a pretty competitive group of warriors—we go at it hard every day fighting over opportunities and business.” So for everyone to get on board without hesitation, and agree to channel that competitive energy toward helping Fort McMurray, is a testament to the camaraderie within the world of Vancouver commercial real estate. “It makes us all proud to be associated with this industry.”