Renew, Energize, and Donate Day at Keller Williams Realty

RED (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day is an annual, Keller Williams company-wide initiative dedicated to celebrating our year-round commitment to improving local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday of May, KW Edge Associates participate with tens of thousands of other Keller Williams Realty associates from across Canada and the United States, who are all engaged in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighbourhoods in which we serve. As part of Marion's culture of caring, she has served as the Keller Williams Edge Realty RED Day Ambassador in both 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Here in Burlington, Keller Williams addressed the issue of hunger and food insecurity by organizing a city-wide Food Drive in support of Food4Kids, Compassion Society of Halton, Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) and Partnership West Food Bank. Perhaps surprising, numerous individuals in Burlington go hungry when not assisted by food banks and food security programs. 7.6% of Burlington residents are living in low-income households and about 44% of food bank clients are children.

Over 2 tonnes of non-perishable food items, toiletries and cash donations were collected on our first Keller Williams RED Day Food Drive. Through this efforts associates helped to improve the community and provide children with opportunities to grow, excel and thrive. Food4Kids distributes packages of healthy food to kids aged 5-14 who have limited or no access to food each weekend.

Compassion Society stocks a food cupboard where people in need can access items for free on a weekly basis. Through ROCK, children are offered daily after school snacks and a weekly breakfast program. Families also have access to a food cupboard. Partnership West Food Bank provides food for people in need and distributes to a network of local agencies, children's snack and nutrition programs.

"It was the best day of my life – along with the day I was born!" said 7 year old Laura as Keller Williams Realty RED Day was coming to a close on Thursday May 8, 2014. With the help of Keller Williams Edge Realty associates, Laura's bedroom had been painted 'ocean blue', a colour she selected herself, inspired by her dream of becoming a marine biologist when she grows up. Laura and her family, along with several other individuals and families were introduced to Marion Goard, Keller Williams Edge Realty, RED Day Ambassador by the Burlington Compassion Society, Habitat for Humanity Halton and Community Living Burlington. These community organizations offer much needed services and support to Burlington area residents who are striving to lead more independent and enriched lives. They also helped Keller Williams Edge Realty understand how they could make a meaningful difference in people's lives though their RED Day activities.

Through RED Day, Suzanne, a single mother raising her 12 year old son, was able to have the condo apartment she purchased through a Habitat homeownership program personalized. "Red Day" was a blast! To see so many people come together the way that Keller Williams did was tremendous! I really appreciated everything that they did for my son and I. I never would have been able to do as much as they did in so little time. Even though I loved my condo apartment when I moved in, the colors weren't what I would have chosen. To be able to paint it to my liking was great! They did an amazing job! Everyone seemed to be really enjoying helping out as well." While planning for RED Day, organizers also learned that Suzanne and her son could use new mattress sets so securing these items were added to their to-do list.

Lending a hand at a two Community Living group-homes in Burlington also brought a sense of satisfaction to those involved at these sites. Keller Williams associates painted bedrooms, a living room and dining room, and tended to outdoor areas helping with the spring garden cleanup. Judy Pryde, Community Living Burlington's Executive Director also expressed her appreciation. "We were thrilled to partner with Keller Williams on May 8th as part of their 'Red Day'. The volunteer work provided was labour intensive yet also fun where the volunteers assisted with things such as painting and sprucing up our gardens. Community Living Burlington relies heavily on volunteers and this kind of partnership with Keller Williams is just one of the fantastic ways our community gives back."

Mina Wahidi, Compassion Society Founder and Executive Director said "I was so happy that Compassion Society was approached for Red Day to help Keller Williams Agents connect with the community. There are so many happy and humble families and children who received help, kindness and care on this special day. Keller Williams are truly community leaders that inspire us all to think of others and lend a helping hand!".