Houston relocation and the spirit of giving
Houston Relocation Professionals (HRP) has enjoyed a long tradition of giving back to the local community. This is one of the foremost guiding principles upon which the organization was founded, and an important one that lives on today.
For over a decade, the charitable initiatives of HRP have best been demonstrated through the organization’s ongoing support of and relationship with Candlelighters.
Candlelighters is an organization that provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with cancer.
Each year, HRP holds several events and participates in various fundraising activities for the benefit of Candlelighters, which culminates in an annual Holiday Social and toy drive. Members are encouraged to give and give back by donating toys, gift cards and other items, as well as by making monetary donations to Candlelighters.
While these efforts have continued to increase the support and financial contributions by HRP, they also have created a strong bond between HRP members and the staff and families of Candlelighters.
This can best be exemplified in the relationship that has formed between Candlelighters and K.C. Salley Relocation.
For the past four years, K.C. Salley has provided a moving van at the HRP Holiday Social for collecting the donated items, and then transported and delivered them the following day to the Candlelighters’ office.
Bryan Oler, co-owner of K.C. Salley, said that he has had a growing appreciation for Candlelighters and the work that they do for the local community. So, when Candlelighters’ Associate Director Lynn Wheeler recently contacted Oler to see if his company could assist with Candlelighters’ move to a new office, he said that the decision to do so, free of charge, was an easy one.
“When Lynn reached out to us asking for guidance in moving their office and what that entailed, we decided that we would help them with the move, and that we would donate our services,” Oler said. “We are glad to do that, because we support Candlelighters’ mission, and because we wanted to integrate them as our company’s charity of choice.”
Oler said that supporting Candlelighters also aligns with his company’s desire to support the local community.
“It’s an honor to participate and help Candlelighters, and especially these families that are dealing with something that is so out of their control. I like the fact that Candlelighters provides real support, from a financial, emotional, and family support standpoint,” Oler said.
When he met with Wheeler to do a walk-through of their office and discuss the move, Oler said he appreciated the concern she had about the cost of the move.
“I knew that every dollar that they could save on the move would mean more money that could go to a family in need, and to me, that’s what it’s all about,” Oler said.
As for Wheeler, she said that when she contacted Oler about the move that he had replied to her in less than 10 minutes to say that he would be happy to assist with their move.
“I was actually just hoping that he would give us a good rate. I never thought he would offer to completely donate their services to Candlelighters,” Wheeler said. “Honestly, this is saving us thousands of dollars, and the fact that they are doing this for us for free is really amazing.”
Wheeler added that she is always very overwhelmed by the support that Candlelighters receives each year from HRP and its members.
“In the 11 years that I have been with Candlelighters, it’s been so amazing to see how much our relationship has grown with HRP and its members and companies. So many HRP members’ companies participate in our Annual Fun Walk, and others have helped some of our families by providing furniture. Others have participated by adopting Candlelighters’ families during the holidays,” Wheeler said.
She said that several HRP members and companies, like K.C. Salley, have gotten more involved with Candlelighters personally, and that the relationship between HRP and Candlelighters continues to have many intersections.
“Through the years, several HRP members have reached out to me and to Candlelighters due to various situations in which they or members of their family have needed our help,” Wheeler said. “So, many people within HRP have been personally touched by cancer and have received help and assistance directly from Candlelighters.”
Finally, Wheeler reminded that while the holiday season is a great time for people to donate to Candlelighters, that help is needed throughout the year.
For more information about Candlelighters, or to make a donation, visit www. Candle.org.