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!