The Barrie and District Association of Realtors is working to bring cancer care closer to home.

Association President Mike Douglas announced the local real-estate professionals are committed to raising $1 million to the Royal Victoria Hospital’s “I Believe” campaign over the next five years.

“The bottom line is, people really do need care. We have some very good, professional realtors and this is important to them. We’re thrilled to be getting on board. It matters,” said Douglas.

So far, the RVH’s “I Believe” capital campaign has raised over $32 million of its $35-million goal.

The campaign is the community’s contribution to a major hospital expansion – which includes the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, as well as an expanded emergency department and 101 patient beds.

Construction is to begin this year, with completion in 2012.

“We had a groundswell of desire and concern. We saw what the hospital could be and how it could help our community,” said Douglas. “We fell in love with it. We can’t stand back.”

Known previously as the Barrie and District Real Estate Board, the local realtors have a long history of contributing to community programs, such as the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the David Busby Street Centre, Gilda’s Club and the Women’s and Children’s Shelter.

Established in 1954, the real estate board has grown to include more than 750 real estate professionals in not only Barrie, but Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Innisfil, Bradford West Gwillimbury and Clearview.

The association also provides the Multiple Listing Service, statistic information and continuing education for its members.