Milwaukee-based Kahler Slater is donating the time and talents of its employee base to Hunger Task Force through a partnership it has established with the nonprofit organization.
The partnership, to extend for two years, aligns with Kahler Slater’s company-wide focus on corporate philanthropy and its value in community investment.
“One of Kahler Slater’s core values is community; we strive to enrich life by serving our communities,” said Alison Buczek, senior marketing coordinator and associate at Kahler Slater.
The design firm’s partnership with Hunger Task Force, which provides food to individuals and families in need, was effective in February, when Kahler Slater launched a peanut butter drive that collected more than 120 jars of peanut butter for the organization.
Since then, Kahler Slater employees have taken time to give back to the organization through company-organized events. Earlier this month, the firm held a “Day of Caring,” during which Milwaukee office staff members helped harvest crops and wash produce, among other volunteer tasks, at the Hunger Task Force Farm in Franklin.
“Without the help of businesses like Kahler Slater who realize the importance of feeding local families, Hunger Task Force would not be able to operate a farm and replace canned fruits and vegetables with healthy, fresh produce,” Sherrie Tussler, executive director of Hunger Task Force, said in a statement.
In June, company volunteers participated in a Stockbox build, and in May they sorted 13,000 pounds of food for the organization.
“Hunger Task Force is an organization that impacts our entire community,” said George Meyer, chief executive officer of Kahler Slater. “Through volunteerism and charitable giving on a longer term basis, our office can make a measurable impact and raise awareness to generate much needed support.”
Among the philanthropic highlights of the partnership ahead, Kahler Slater plans to facilitate a holiday food drive starting in November to help stock the nonprofit’s warehouse. In a similar approach to past events, the company will extend an invitation to its staff members’ families and friends, vendors, contractors, consultants and community partners.
“It’s beyond just the staff here,” Buczek said.
Parallel to the Milwaukee office’s civic efforts, Kahler Slater’s Madison and Singapore offices have selected hunger-focused organizations to back with their workforces. In Madison, Kahler Slater employees are devoting time, talent and funds to Hunger Task Force’s sister organization, the Community Action Coalition.
As a whole, Kahler Slater sought to focus on one core community need across the three markets where it has a presence. The firm pinpointed hunger as a key need in its communities after an evaluation process led by its Community Committee and then designated specific organizations to serve with input from staff.
Kahler Slater previously partnered with Habitat for Humanity. The firm also contributes regularly to the United Performing Arts Fund’s campaign and United Way’s campaign.
