Making a difference: the first Keyton Connect Day shows your imagination is your only limit

How about this for having fun and doing something for others less fortunate and making sure everyone knows who you are and what you do. 

Keyton Connect Day is part of Keyton’s KeyWell employee wellbeing program. It was held on 24 October, with 80% of events running simultaneously at various sites so teams across different locations could participate locally. To accommodate staff and residents who couldn’t make it on the main day, additional events were organised throughout the week commencing 21 October.  

Keyton employees have access to two volunteering days a year to use, with Keyton Connect Day is the opportunity to come together for a common purpose. 

“Keyton Connect Day is more than just an event – it’s an opportunity for us to lead with heart, connect with residents and give back to the community,” said Kara Pisani, Keyton’s Head of Safety, Sustainability and Wellbeing. 

Nationally, it involved 218 Keyton employees, 92 kind-hearted residents and 26 community groups. The event was coordinated by the Keywell team, an internal staff group who coordinate wellbeing initiatives.

Connect Day saw events ranging from making thousands of sandwiches for kids without lunch and preparing healthy meals for the homeless and families of sick kids at Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, to helping residents with gardening projects at villages and more.  

Menzies Malvern Village Administrator Cleo Michailidis joined a team lending a hand with residents at Our Village, the name for the amalgamation of Victoria’s charities St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums,.to help families in need.  

“We rolled up our sleeves and dived right in, sorting through donations, revitalising prams, packing essentials, and preparing care packages for families and their little ones. It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of generosity from our community and to know that our efforts will make a tangible difference in the lives of others,” Cleo said. 

Keyton’s Environment, Health and Safety Manager Nicole Wildman said, “We had the incredible opportunity to give back to our community by cooking meals for those in need with OzHarvest. Together, we prepared 61 dinners and 25 desserts for families on the Sunshine Coast. Our hearts are full, and we are so grateful for the chance to make a difference.”  

Keyton’s Head of Sales Michael Dockery joined in preparing meals for the homeless alongside Kids Giving Back saying, “a wonderful day! So good to be helping an important cause with fellow team members and residents and learning a few improved chopping techniques from Tirian McManus!” 

Karen added “on a day where we celebrate our values of making room for kindness, respecting everyone’s journey, and connecting as one team, I am reminded of the significant impact we can have when we come together.  

“Several individuals deserve recognition, including Jason Perin and Sharyn Gagg, key event organisers and our team leaders, who are all heroes on the day.  

“They ensured that each activity enriched the lives of our residents and employees by coming together, spreading kindness, and making meaningful connections.  Their dedication and effort have made this day truly special for everyone,” she said