Western Pine Realty was started by Jon & Jess Lumer. Jess was raised in a real estate family in the Okanagan and Jon has worked as an agent in Vancouver for almost a decade.

Jon sometimes found that he was not able to deliver the services his clients were asking for when working within the confines of bigger brokerage models. Jon and Jess decided to develop a system that would give them maximum flexibility and the ability to build a brand around their own personal philosophy of helping others.

Jon & Jess live in the Fairview neighbourhood of Vancouver with their son, Orwell.

Our Story

In July 2020, after listening to a podcast and reading a book called Doing Good Better about effective altruism, Jon and Jess felt inspired to commit themselves to giving away at least 10% of the money they make for the rest of their lives. They signed the Giving What We Can pledge (members 4838 & 4839). The donations are made through Western Pine Realty and since that time their donations to some of the world’s most effective charities have surpassed $80,000.

When we are able to give away money it is because our clients have put their trust and confidence in us. We like to mark the occasion by giving away our fox sweaters. If you see someone wearing a fox sweater, that person probably helped to save a human life with a real estate transaction.

Why A Fox?

The Fox is flexible and adaptable. Foxes are known to be mischievous, but that also means they are skilful, objective and far-sighted. Above all, the fox is wise and perceptive. In other words, this is an animal that doesn’t miss the forest for the trees.

Why These Charities?

The charities we donate to are considered to be the most effective charities in terms of lives saved per dollar received. This is according to the most rigorous testing standards available. Every charity is endorsed either by The Life You Can Save or GiveWell.

Why Developing Countries

The money we donate tends to be directed to people living in far away places. This is unusual for a real estate company as the focus is more often on the community where the real estate in question is bought and sold. But the impact of these dollars is sometimes thousands of times greater when directed to the most effective charities. That’s a logic we just find irresistible.