Ken Hammer, a REALTOR® and salesperson with the Scott Parker Team at RE/MAX of Nanaimo, has been transforming the landscape of leadership one step and one project at a time through his unwavering dedication to education, youth support, and Rotary International. His efforts have connected passionate citizens on Vancouver Island and built bridges with community leaders around the globe.
<iframe width="100%" height="385" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WUXOfBBLevg?si=c6vd53PMDfTn9EYJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>As a dedicated community leader, Ken rallies his fellow members of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak, and his REALTOR® colleagues to support local charities. His efforts to unite those around him has built accessible playgrounds for children, led to fundraising for the Nanaimo Youth Services Association, and helped grow the local art scene with the Nanaimo Art Gallery.
One of the charities dear to Hammer’s heart is the Nanaimo Child Development Centre where he serves on the Board of Directors. This vital organization provides programs and services to children with developmental needs and their families, often at little to no cost. Rotarians support the centre through funding efforts, community events and days-of-service helping to maintain the building. Under Hammer’s leadership, the centre has continued to thrive and grow to match the ever-increasing needs for supports within the community.
“They are a major component in our community,” shared Ken. “Parents need support, and so the Nanaimo Child Development Centre provides that support through various therapists, and playgroups, and equipment, and services. It’s just so essential.”
<center><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNanaimoCDC%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02nZy1Wyww8E12JTiAVvLk8CLziCmDz3yHbFrpgtFZhJjHSbTT7ugd42cuYZ5YAsv6l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="741" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></center>Beyond the organizations Ken directly supports, many more have benefited from his impact through Leadership Vancouver Island (LVI), the innovative training program that he helped found. In 2005, Ken designed LVI’s curriculum to enhance the region’s capacity for leadership, learning, and service. Its unique structure brings students from private, public, and charitable sectors together to develop leadership skills and understand the themes and goals that drive their personal passions. On top of monthly classes over the eight-month term, students are tasked with creating and executing a community-based project targeting specific needs in the region. Since its inception, LVI has trained more than 300 leaders and generated 63 social impact projects, redefining what true leadership means on Vancouver Island.
LVI Instructor and 2005 alum, Janice Krall, credits her career shift from finance into the charity sector to her LVI experience. “It really challenges you to self-reflect, to learn about what makes you who you are and the gifts that you bring to the world, the gifts that you bring to your family, your volunteerism, your community, your teams every day.”
<center><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLeadershipVancouverIsland%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02G5xtjEBbbFKFXXxtG9atAy1H8ABMYj66BDWtFRz39ziLjuTwFYwsvg7hVr2PsGJdl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="689" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></center>Ken’s passion for education extends beyond developing emerging leaders through LVI. He knows that continuing to support established leaders and grow connections across sectors makes for a stronger and more sustainable Nanaimo. Drawing from his experience as a university professor, he established a bi-annual reading circle for local professionals and experienced leaders. This initiative fosters learning, discussion, and peer support allowing participants to explore new ideas and perspectives. The reading circle has become a cherished space for intellectual growth and community building, reflecting Ken’s belief in the power of continuous learning and building resiliency.
“It’s an isolating role as an Executive Director, and so I think Ken sees that and he’s able to just create this community connection where we can all thrive as leaders through learning and knowledge and support,” shared Cheryl Booth, a reading circle participant, and the Executive Director of the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.
When Ken isn’t busy supporting his clients and local charities, his volunteerism has taken him around the world. Both independently and through Rotary, he’s worked to build international relationships and strengthen ties between Nanaimo and cities across Africa, supporting critical community projects in developing countries. His efforts to facilitate learning, volunteerism, and community development have been so impactful that one Ghanian leader was inspired to establish a group of schools named after him. The “Ken Hammer Schools” now support over 1,500 students from elementary to high school.
Whether he is living the values of service above self with Rotary, developing future leaders on Vancouver Island, or supporting children and youth, Ken Hammer’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Nanaimo, and he’s committed to showing others how they can do the same. “Take a step to get engaged in your community,” said Ken. “See what the world can give you. Because I think if you just give a little, take a step, you get so much back.”
REALTORS Care® Spotlight shares stories of how featured nominees of the Canadian REALTORS Care® Award are working to make their communities a better place for all.
