Q&A with Board Member Kim McIntyre-Leighton

We’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals on LiveDifferent’s Board of Directors! Each person plays a pivotal role in guiding LiveDifferent’s vision, strategy and impact—fueling our mission to engage youth in a lifestyle of compassion and service. Their unwavering dedication and expertise have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities.

Meet Kim McIntyre-Leighton

Kim’s journey with LiveDifferent serves as a remarkable example of how passion, commitment, and a desire to make a difference can lead to meaningful change. As a dedicated member of the Board of Directors, Kim’s experiences—from her first Build in Mexico to her ongoing involvement in governance—highlight the profound impact that volunteering can have on both individuals and communities. This spotlight shares Kim’s insights and reflections on her journey with LiveDifferent.

Q: How did you first hear about or become involved with LiveDifferent?

A: Originally I heard about LiveDifferent through Malinda Roberts, back in 2006/2007. She told me about her brother Charles and moving his family to Mexico to facilitate the Builds program. Malinda and I worked in the same sector and my family wanted to volunteer somewhere so we planned our first Build for 2008 and brought my two kids! We loved the culture, the people and community, and the spirit of building. We went back for the whole next summer to help wherever we could with volunteers – we helped cook, serve food, transport volunteers, maintain the tools, and more.

Q: What inspired you to join the LiveDifferent board?

A: After many years of volunteering with different Builds after our first Build, and as our lives got busier in Winnipeg, I wanted to stay involved with LiveDifferent in some capacity. Charles was now the Executive Director and wanted to formalize policies and board governance. I was also an Executive Director with a charity so I could assist in helping with those goals.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a board member?

A: Everyone has different opinions and viewpoints but can feel free to share. It’s a respectful environment and everyone has the same passion and values shared with LiveDifferent and why we do what we do. We all align with the reasons why LiveDifferent exists and how it supports people. You can see that in how the board talks, communicates and shares. We have lots of fun and laughter, but it always comes back to dignified service to the communities with which we have a connection. It’s an honour to be a part of the board.

Q: How has your experience with LiveDifferent changed you as a person?

A: It’s helped me to recognize that it’s important to work in our communities, along with other communities globally. We can all be a part of this work. When we returned from our first Build, we also started volunteering locally in Winnipeg.

Q: If you could pick one project or initiative that you are most proud of, what would it be and why?

A: The family that we worked alongside on our first house Build had kids the same age as mine. We still stay connected with that family to this day.

Q: What have been some of your most memorable moments with LiveDifferent?

A: The family on our first Build could not afford the school fees for their kids. We left enough money with them to start the kids in school. A couple of years ago, the son graduated high school and the daughter is now in teacher’s college. It shows that a hand-up, even a small one, makes a huge difference.

Q: How does your work with LiveDifferent fulfill your passions and values?

A: My values are showing dignity and respect to all people and those align so well with LiveDifferent, knowing that LiveDifferent goes into schools to address mental health and instill the values of kindness and compassion, especially up north.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with us?

A: You’ll understand it when you experience it – whether it’s a Circles presentation, a Build, visiting the school in Haiti…when you watch a family open their front door for the first time – wow – it can’t be explained without experiencing it and any age is great to start. Start them young, instilling the values of compassion for other people. There is good leadership and great supervision that happens in a safe environment and it will change their life.

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We are immensely grateful to the extraordinary individuals like Kim who comprise LiveDifferent’s Board of Directors. We are privileged to have such an exceptional group who wholeheartedly believe in our vision and generously share their time, skills and resources to ensure our success.

Learn more about our team and get inspired to create change alongside them.

Q&A with Board Member Renée McGurry

We’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals on LiveDifferent’s Board of Directors!

Each person plays a pivotal role in guiding LiveDifferent’s vision, strategy and impact—fueling our mission to create positive change in the world. Their unwavering dedication, expertise and boundless compassion have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities. 

Meet Renée McGurry

Our spotlight shines bright today on a remarkable board member whose journey with LiveDifferent began in a unique and serendipitous manner. 

It all started at a fundraising dinner in 2017, where fate sat Renée next to Malinda Roberts, the Executive Director of Winnserv Inc. and sister of Charles Roberts, CEO of LiveDifferent. This chance encounter revealed Renée’s background as a retired Indigenous educator, catching Malinda’s attention. 

Acknowledging Renée’s expertise, Malinda connected her with the LiveDifferent team. There was an instant and deep connection between LiveDifferent’s commitment to service and positive impact and her own aspirations. This synergy culminated in her becoming a board member in September 2017.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a board member?

A: I love everything! The board members are such a loving, compassionate and caring group of professionals who are a joy to work with. I’ve also had the pleasure of travelling with them. They’re such an amazing (and fun) group who have always made me welcome and have not only given me a seat at the table but have also given me a voice. 

I look forward to the meetings, the discussions and of course, the incredible retreats. I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand, the inspiring work that LiveDifferent does in Mexico, DR, Haiti and Thailand. I participated in the Thailand trip on my own in 2019, which was, in itself, an unforgettable experience!

Q: How has your experience with LiveDifferent changed you as a person?

A: In my culture, we have four spiritual beliefs that tell us that everything in life happens for a reason. Some call it ‘synchronicity’. And so when you believe and accept this, it’s very easy to look at each day as a gift, and as a learning opportunity. 

For many, like myself, it’s proof that we are never alone. The first of the four beliefs states that ′′The people you meet are meant to bring something into your life.” That is, no one comes into your life by accident. You are meant to meet that person for a reason. Either you have something to give them, or they have something to give you. You need to see each encounter as a blessing, a lesson, and a part of your journey. 

So on my life journey, LiveDifferent was part of Creator’s plan. It has allowed me to share and receive the many gifts of this organization, its staff, its board members and the gifts of those whom we support.

Q: If you could pick one project or initiative that you are most proud of, what would it be and why?

A: It’s hard to pick just one so I’ll have to say that I am proud of both the school in Haiti and the Freedom Village. I wasn’t there when the school was built but I’ve had the pleasure of visiting it and seeing first-hand how many children and families have been impacted. I was fortunate to be in Haiti when we broke ground for the Freedom Village, so I have been a part of that journey from start to finish. Both projects have been life-changing for me personally.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with us?

A: I would advise anyone who is looking to make a difference, to get involved in any way they can. As Mohammed Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”  Getting involved in service to others will give so much meaning to your life. It will help you build empathy, and humility and allow you to give and live from the heart. In the end, you will find that you receive so much more than you give. No better feeling than having a heart filled with love!

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Renée’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one can make by aligning personal values with organizational missions. 

We are immensely grateful to the extraordinary individuals like Renée who make up LiveDifferent’s Board of Directors. We are privileged to have such an exceptional group who wholeheartedly believe in our vision and generously share their time, skills and resources to ensure our success. 

Learn more about our team and get inspired to create change alongside them. 

Q&A with Board Member Kerry Brandt

We’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals on LiveDifferent’s board of directors!

Each person plays a pivotal role in guiding LiveDifferent’s vision, strategy and impact—fueling our mission to create positive change in the world. Their unwavering dedication, expertise and boundless compassion have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities. 

Prepare to be uplifted as we uncover untold stories, wisdom gained and the passion that drives this team to make a difference.

Meet Kerry Brandt, Chairman of the Board

Kerry lives in Rosenort, Manitoba, where he and his lovely wife Barb, raised three wonderful children.

Kerry and Barb dreamt of being a part of hope and change in a tangible way, and when they heard about a friend’s kid going on a life-changing humanitarian trip, they realized they wanted to do the same thing with their kids. Another friend mentioned crossing paths with a LiveDifferent staff member in Mexico, so Kerry called up the office in Hamilton to learn more. 

Coincidentally, LiveDifferent’s CEO, Charles Roberts, was in Winnipeg when he called, so the two met up at a truck stop and from there planned the family’s first Build. That initial trip resulted in many more Builds and eventually led to Kerry accepting the Chairman position on our Board of Directors. 

When he’s not busy leading the charge for LiveDifferent, Kerry wears multiple hats as a co-owner of Brandt Trucking—a family-run business that has been a partner of LiveDifferent since 2008. As the head of sales and marketing, he spends his days connecting with potential customers, all the while daydreaming about the next time he can visit our LiveDifferent communities.

His heart is truly invested in the cause, and his unwavering support shines through in his kind words, thoughtful gifts and mouthwatering steak BBQs!

Q: What inspired you to join the LiveDifferent board?

A: My whole family fell in love with LiveDifferent during our first Build. As I learned more about the organization, I wanted to get involved in guiding and protecting the organization, and my background equipped me to help in this way.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a board member?

A: Always the people! The board members, the staff, the road teams, everyone!

Q: How has your experience with LiveDifferent changed you as a person?

A: LiveDifferent has opened me up to a different level of empathy and a desire to do all I can to make the world a better place for others. I’ve learned that time is currency, that you only get to spend it once and I want to be strategic with how it is spent.

Q: If you could pick one project or initiative that you are most proud of, what would it be and why? 

A:  I’ve thought about this question a lot and it’s very tough to choose, but the work that has been done within Indigenous communities and with their youth wins. I was able to visit Oxford House with Sheila [North], it’s where she grew up – that was an unforgettable day.

It’s such a complex issue with no easy answer and so people often avoid it, but LiveDifferent doesn’t shy away from people. They just want to make a difference and so jump in, do what you can with what you got.

Q: How have you seen LiveDifferent’s work positively impact people’s lives? 

A: I have so many examples, but after our first Build trip in Mexico, we went back again the next Christmas and visited the family from the first trip. Seeing the transformation a house made to the family, seeing the difference, the family said the house was the catalyst to change for improving their lives.

Q: How do you hope to contribute to LiveDifferent in the future?

A: I’d love to contribute in whatever ways I can. My goal is to get to a place where Barb and I can spend extended time in Haiti or Mexico or the Dominican Republic; maybe even travel on the ice road tour!

Learn more

We are immensely grateful to the extraordinary individuals like Kerry who make up our board of directors. We are privileged to have such an exceptional group who wholeheartedly believe in our vision and generously share their time, skills and resources to ensure our success.

Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with the incredible minds behind the scenes. Learn more about our team and get inspired to create change alongside them.

Together, we can make a real and lasting impact!

Q&A with Board Member Paige Derksen

We’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals on LiveDifferent’s board of directors!

Each person plays a pivotal role in guiding LiveDifferent’s vision, strategy and impact, fueling our mission to create positive change in the world. Their unwavering dedication, expertise and boundless compassion have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities. 

Prepare to be uplifted as we uncover untold stories, wisdom gained and the passion that drives this team to make a difference.

Meet Paige Derksen

Paige is the newest member of the LiveDifferent team and a dedicated realtor residing and working in Winnipeg. With a heart for community involvement, Paige’s journey with LiveDifferent began around ten years ago when her aunt, uncle, and cousins – who were already engaged with the organization – shared their experiences of participating in various Builds. Inspired by their stories, Paige and her immediate family started attending LiveDifferent galas and providing financial support from the inception of the event.

Driven by a personal desire to contribute on a deeper level, Paige took the initiative to involve her work team at Marcia Bergen Group in supporting the Freedom Village. Every year, a portion of their commissions from each transaction goes towards ensuring the safety and well-being of a girl living in the village. Given her profession as a realtor, Paige recognizes the importance of secure housing and finds it fulfilling to give back to the community in this manner.

Q: What inspired you to join the LiveDifferent Board of Directors? 

A: I was motivated to join the board at LiveDifferent because I wanted to give back uniquely, beyond just money. I planned to invest my time and energy to make a real impact and help improve the lives of others. By actively engaging with the organization, I aim to use my skills and dedication to make a meaningful difference and support its mission.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a board member?

A: Since joining the board, I’ve loved two things: making new connections and getting an inside look at how the organization really works. It’s given me a better understanding of how I can help out and encourage others to give back too. I’m excited to explore more ways to support the cause and inspire a culture of giving.

Q: If you could pick one project or initiative that you are most proud of, what would it be and why? 

A: One achievement that fills me with pride is the Freedom Village in Haiti. Witnessing its growth and development since my initial involvement with LiveDifferent has been truly remarkable. 

It is incredibly exciting to see the village open its doors, and even more so to have the opportunity to support a girl, providing her with a safe living environment and access to education. I am thrilled and deeply excited to watch the girls in the Freedom Village heal, recover and grow. Their safety and well-being are of paramount importance, and knowing that they can now live in a secure environment fills my heart with joy. 

The Marcia Bergen Group, the team I am part of, is excited to be partnering with LiveDifferent and eagerly anticipates the incredible work that lies ahead at the Freedom Village. We are committed to witnessing the positive impact and transformation that will shape the lives of these girls in the future.

Q: How has your experience with LiveDifferent changed you as a person?

A: My experience with LiveDifferent has enhanced my empathy, compassion and commitment to making a positive impact. I have gained a broader perspective, developed resilience and deepened my sense of purpose. Overall, LiveDifferent has transformed me into a more socially conscious and proactive individual dedicated to creating positive change by living differently every day. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with LiveDifferent? 

A: Just do it! Even if you think your contributions won’t make a difference, know that they will. Every bit helps and it doesn’t always have to be financial, it can be your time and energy – but everything helps! 

Learn more

We are immensely grateful to the extraordinary individuals like Paige who make up our board of directors. We are privileged to have such an exceptional group who wholeheartedly believe in our vision and generously share their time, skills and resources to ensure our success.

Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with the incredible minds behind the scenes. Learn more about our team and get inspired to create change alongside them.

Together, we can make a real and lasting impact!