K-Lumet (kay-loomay), is a non-profit employing people with high barriers to employment including disabilities in the production and distribution of a fire starter made from recycled materials. This kind of manufacturing that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility is the first of its kind in Canada. We are pioneering this model in Powell River, BC, a small coastal community that has become known for its inclusion of people with disabilities. Our dream is to have this model recreated in cities all over BC. We hope every industry in Canada and beyond can learn from our research with Vancouver Island University and inclusion Powell River about creating workplaces that accommodate diversity. This social-enterprise and the research that comes from our project has the potential to change thousands of lives and put Powell River on the map for innovation and inclusivity!
Overview
K-Lumet is an employment and training social enterprise started in Switzerland in 1995 and has seen major growth across Europe, especially in Germany. A Texada Island resident, Barbarah Kisschowsky, is the license holder for K-Lumet in BC and launched the business in Powell River in 2018 with local production and sales. She purchased the license to create an employment opportunity for her son, Zackery, who lives with autism, and others who have barriers to employment.
K-Lumet Pilot Project
K-Lumet was developed in Europe where sheltered workshops are still the norm, whereby people with disabilities are hired exclusively and paid below minimum wage for their labour. Over the next three years K-Lumet, in partnership with inclusion Powell River and Vancouver Island University will research and test an adaptive model of inclusive employment for people with disabilities utilizing the K-Lumet social enterprise. We will build upon the success of K-Lumet in Europe, but commit to an inclusive workplace, employing people of diverse abilities and paying at least minimum wage to all workers.
The pilot will test the sales and production potential of the social enterprise under these new conditions and the research will inform the training model we will use. We hope to share this model with other manufacturing businesses wanting to adopt inclusive hiring practices.
The pilot includes a formal labour market research project in collaboration with Vancouver Island University and multiple community partners interested in furthering employment opportunities. The research begins in 2019 and ends in 2021
Future development
Upon completion of the 3-year pilot project K-Lumet will seek to expand into other communities across BC through Community Partnerships, similar to a franchise model whereby Powell River will be the main supplier of raw materials until each community has developed their own supply chain and sales. All K-Lumet franchises will provide work and pay exclusively to persons with high barriers to employment. This is a requirement that must be upheld when purchasing the franchise.
The Product
Simple, environmentally friendly, odorless, clean, and made from recycled material, these fire starters replace kindling wood. They are made from waste wood, toilet paper rolls from kitchen and bath tissue, and left over candle wax and stubs.
They work for starting fires in wood stoves and campfires as well as for hikers, kayakers and others who love the outdoors and need to make a fire. K-Lumets are light and compact making them easy to carry in a backpack.
Powell River Community Forest has committed to providing all of our waste wood materials free of charge, delivered annually to the Tla’amin Nation owned log sort in Powell Rivers’ Townsite for further processing. We will collect used wax and cardboard toilet paper rolls that will be donated by residents who live in the region.
REWARDS
Please support our campaign and select a reward that suits your tastes and budget from the column on the right (below if you are on mobile) Thanks for your support!
CAMP MUG - Get it via the "Flame" $50 reward level or get 2 with the "Blaze" $100 reward level
INCLUSION PENDANT - Get it via the "Torch" $200 reward level
