Have you ever wondered how you, one person, can make a difference? It's easy sometimes to look at famous people and celebrities who seamlessly give millions of dollars to charities, and we think there's no way we can make that big of an impact. But it's those smaller and hands-on projects where a team comes together where those big impacts in fact are made. This is why our team at Kelson Group loves the United Way's Day of Caring because it helps us all come together to work hard and make remarkable change. No red carpet. No paparazzi. But honest to goodness community members contributing where they work and live.

"Our team was very excited to do the United Way Day of Caring here in Prince George where we own and operate 10 apartment buildings," said Morgan Kofoed, Property Manager for Kelson Group. "Giving where you live is a good feeling because you know you're directly impacting the lives of your neighbours."

The Kelson Group Prince George team got together and participated in the United Way of Northern BC's Day of Caring on September 28, 2021. Knowing the team of building managers, with a compliment of maintenance and repair staff, understand quality construction and have the building know-how to tackle construction projects, the United Way paired Kelson Group with the Phoenix Transition House Society to build a deck.

Phoenix Transition House Society provides shelter for women of all ages and cultural backgrounds and their children who are at risk of violence or have experienced violence. While staying in the shelter, women have access to individual and group counselling, substance use counselling, physical and mental health resources, life skills education, and advocacy. Having a deck to add to the outdoor space was something Karen Underhill of the Society was grateful for.

"We are so grateful to get this deck done, and it will be good to have the moms and kids enjoying the outdoor space we now will have for them," said Underhill. "We cannot thank United Way Northern BC enough. They have been fantastic and coordinated everything."

In total, Kelson Group donated both labour and funds for materials, making the deck a reality.

"United Way of Northern BC was thrilled to connect these incredible organizations to help our local community and the people we serve," said Trista Spencer, Executive Director, United Way of Northern BC. "The Phoenix Transition Society does such critical work to support some of our most vulnerable, so it was an honour to be able to coordinate this Day of Caring for them."

Kofoed is encouraging other businesses and organizations to do a team building event like the Day of Caring because of the impact it makes not only made for a non-profit organization, but for him and his team members too.

"The United Way hosts Day of Caring events throughout the year where companies, community groups, or non-profits can take part and lend a hand," said Kofoed. "Our team encourages others to connect with the United Way and ask about participating in a Day of Caring. It's one of the best ways to give back as a team."