Rosanna Fischer is the Vice President of KDM Management Inc., condominium management specialists; and the President of KDM Helping Hands, a registered charity.
“After purchasing KDM in 2010, I almost immediately created a charitable committee,” says Rosanna. “I created it with some of the key staff at KDM and in 2014 we applied for and were granted registered charity status.”
Why was it important to Rosanna to create KDM Helping Hands?
“Everyone should give back!” she smiles. “Volunteering your time to support a cause that you are passionate about is enriching. It is also our greater purpose in life. Giving back does not have to be money and dollars. You can give time, expertise or a combination of those things.”
That is what KDM Helping Hands provides – time, money and expertise in a variety of ways.
One of the major events KDM Helping Hands is known for is KDM Christmas for Kids. This yearly event sees the charity adopting a different school every year and providing meals, gifts and a visit from Santa on one special day. Christmas for Kids has been in operation since 2012.
“The magic of this event is hard to put into words,” says Rosanna. “Each year we feed an entire school and do a gift (approx. $50 value) for each child. Each gift has 7-8 essentials, toys and educational item based on age. We have done this for schools with as many as 400 youth.”
COVID changed, but did not cancel, this special annual event.
Rosanna says, “COVID presented us with challenges, and we have overcome them. We use Zoom and we drop off boxes of gifts in advance. Food is delivered and dispersed by the teachers. We are disheartened about not being there in person but last year the school sent us videos! That was so heartwarming to see, and so kind of the teachers to arrange those “thank you” videos for us.”
Donors are welcome to get involved with Christmas for Kids Campaign. Rosanna explains, “Each donor is given a list of partnership opportunities (provide a gift; sponsor lunch, Santa, entertainment; a donation for future events; etc.).”
Christmas for Kids is not the only event put on by KDM Helping Hands.
“We do a lot in the community,” says Rosanna. “We have renovated the medicine unit 18 at the Sturgeon Community Hospital, making it more comfortable for patients and families. This involved new furniture, décor, a new television, floors, paint, etc.
We also created a first-of-its-kind two-chair, fully operational private hair salon in the local Ronald McDonald Edmonton House.”
The salon, aptly called “Time For You”, can be used by the children and parents staying in the House.
“Time For You”, provides respite for the parents and children of the House. When your child is in the hospital, you are not thinking of yourself and do not want to leave their side for the fear of missing something. Self care is at the bottom of the list, so if the opportunity for self care is brought to you or your sick child in the House, it makes a big difference,” says Rosanna. “I remember one little girl, our first client in the chair, she wanted to look like Dora the Explorer. She is no longer with us. She became an angel a few months later. That is something we will never forget.”
A current fundraising event is the Valentine’s Day Liquor & Chocolate Basket. Act now to get in on the February 11thdraw. You have a shot a great basket valued over $500. Funds raised support KDM Helping Hands continue to provide random acts of kindness in the community.
Rosanna encourages families in need and donors/volunteers to reach out.
“We do hampers at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. If you need support, please reach out. To our donors, thank you from the bottom of our heart. We could not do this without you. Your generosity has made this possible. We cannot thank you enough.”
Learn more about KDM Helping Hands by clicking here.
