Kaz councillor wants to see locals R.I.S.E. and shine
By Madeline Kerr
Brandy Killeen wants to give her community a lift.
The Kazabazua municipal councillor recently purchased the former Desjardins building on Hwy 105 in Kaz and is turning it into a hub for the community. She’s calling it Rêver Imaginer Surmonter Exécuter or R.I.S.E., which translates to Dream Imagine Overcome Execute in English.
Killeen recently told the Low Down that she envisions a space where the community can come together, connect with essential services and find the resources they need – something that is often a challenge in rural areas.
The trained paralegal and mother of five told the Low Down she is motivated by her own life experiences.
“I grew up in difficult circumstances,” she said. “There are people in my life who have struggled, who continue to struggle, with things like addiction.”
She added, “I have a big heart. I love to see people succeed. I want to see the people in this community work to lift each other up.”
Killeen explained she plans to outfit the basement of the building with an air hockey table, dart board, games and craft supplies, transforming it into a safe and fun space for local youth to hang out.
The main floor of the building is currently being renovated to include a flexible meeting space where Killeen said workshops and functions, including regular addiction recovery meetings, can be held.
“There’s drug and alcohol abuse happening in our community but not necessarily anywhere to go for help,” Killeen said.
She also plans on providing a closed office space where individuals can meet privately with therapists or other professionals. And there will be a space with tables and chairs for locals to come and drink tea or coffee and connect with one another.
Killeen said she wants to help residents who need support to find work, make doctor appointments, connect with social workers or physiologists or apply for official documents by connecting them with the right resources to get what they need.
“I don’t provide the service itself but I can connect you to it,” she explained. “I’m just here to link everybody together.”
Killeen told the Low Down that she has had support from a number of local individuals and businesses, and she has put her sons to work painting and helping renovate. But she admitted that so far she’s funding this project “with faith and minimal savings.”
“Donations are welcome but not expected,” she said, adding, “The more that I’m able to provide to the community, the more doors will open for funding opportunities.”
Killeen took possession of the building in July and got straight to work making the space her own. The former bank has not been in use for about four years, she explained. She added that she has arranged with Desjardins to continue to maintain a bank machine in the vestibule of the building. This was important because, according to Killeen, it’s the only wheelchair accessible bank machine in the region.
Killeen said that the hairdressing studio, Studio de Coiffure Danyka, which has been running out of the building for about 12 years, will continue to operate. Although R.I.S.E. is not officially open, Killeen said, “If someone walks in here, I won’t turn them away.”
She plans to hold an opening event on Sept. 30, with the caveat that “things are very much still a work in progress.”
To find more information about R.I.S.E. visit risequebec.com.
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