Milwaukee-based Kahler Slater has renewed its partnership with Habitat for Humanity’s Milwaukee and Dane County branches.
The architectural and design firm adopted the nonprofit extensions in 2013 to narrow the scope of its philanthropic efforts and maximize its impact. During its first year of involvement with Habitat, the firm assisted with the June launch of a “ReStock the ReStore” campaign, which aimed to circulate awareness around Habitat’s resale stores as well as draw donations of new and used furniture, appliances and building materials to the resale stores.
Kahler Slater employees also held a special volunteer day in September, dispersing among eight sites to clean and organize Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations and prepare building materials for new housing sites among other tasks.
During the holiday season, the firm continued its support of the nonprofit by hosting a holiday giving tree in its Milwaukee office. The tree was decorated with gift tags detailing tools and cleaning supplies needed by Habitat volunteers and staff members. With support from employees and their families, Kahler Slater collected more than 50 new tools and supplies to donate to Habitat.
Through the extended partnership, Kahler Slater employees in both Milwaukee and Madison offices will volunteer quarterly for the Habitat branches, focusing on house rehabilitation projects, community development projects and the creation of “Victory Gardens” to provide Habitat homeowners access to fresh and homegrown produce.
“Victory Gardens” are at the center of the mission of the Victory Garden Initiative, an area nonprofit that teaches communities how to grow their own food. Habitat has partnered with VGI to develop gardens in the neighborhoods it touches.
“Kahler Slater is excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity for a second year,” said Kahler Slater Chief Executive Officer George Meyer. “We learned a lot about the organization’s commitment to the community during last year’s efforts and are eager to get more involved on a more personal level this year.”
