Continuing a tradition of giving back to the communities where it operates, Bryant Heating & Cooling and Rapid Cool, a Bryant factory authorized dealer, has donated two heating and cooling systems along with installation to the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA Women’s Shelter. Bryant is honored to work alongside one of its dealers to ensure patrons of the Y Women’s Shelter, who are victims of domestic violence, have a comfortable place to stay during their visit to the emergency shelter. Bryant is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies.
Rapid Cool nominated Michele Walker, general manager, Violence Against Women Intervention and Support Services, and the team at the Kamloops Y Women’s Shelter as true heroes for their work and support they provide to the region’s endangered women and children. The Bryant True Heroes program allows Bryant dealers to give back to their communities by honoring local heroes who work to create stronger communities and too often go unrecognized for their service.
“We are passionate about our work at the YWCA and it is an honor to have that recognized by organizations like Bryant and Rapid Cool. Support from our community is what allows us to continue this important work,” says Walker. “This donation sends the message to those we serve that the community supports them and believes they need a safe and comfortable place to escape to.”
Steve Warner, owner of Rapid Cool, expressed his enthusiasm for taking the extra step in looking out for his longtime customer.
“Michele and her team represent the best values of our community and the entire Rapid Cool team is honored to share their story of caring and compassion with this True Heroes award,” says Warner. “We have been servicing the equipment at the YWCA for a number of years and when we realized the equipment was nearing the end of its life, we saw this as an opportunity to help out.”
For Bryant, this project represents another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the communities where our dealers live and work.
“For more than a century, Bryant has been synonymous with keeping families comfortable in their homes, and part of this tradition has been to work with our dealers to give back in a way that strengthens the communities in which we serve,” states Matthew Pine, vice president, marketing, Bryant. “Rapid Cool is the latest Bryant dealer to honor a True Hero in their community and donate their time to those in need. We are thrilled to be able to donate heating and cooling systems to the Kamloops YMCA – YWCA and salute the work they do each day caring for vulnerable women and children.”
Paul Davignon, president, Carrier Enterprise Canada, also expressed his enthusiasm for the project and appreciation for the work conducted by Michele Walker and her staff.
“It comes with great pride to recognize one of Canada’s Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers, Rapid Cool, for endeavoring to improve the sustainability of a pillar in their community. This project will aid the True Hero professionals at YWCA to continue providing emergency relief services to those in need within a comfortable environment. The Bryant family is delighted to support one of its own in making this worthwhile, philanthropic aspiration a reality.”
The Kamloops Y Women’s Shelter provides refuge and support to women and children fleeing domestic violence. In 2015 the Women’s Shelter provided more than 4,960 safe night’s sleep to more than 230 women and children.