Organizations and individuals have stepped up to finish a renovation project for a non-profit group, after HeroWork announced last week that it was shutting down.
The project had begun in April at the Prospect Lake property of Power To Be, a non-profit in its 25th year whose mission is to provide access to nature for people with challenges in their lives, including cognitive, physical and social barriers.
The renovation included conversion of an old barn into a multi-purpose program space, along with construction of a new pavilion.
But HeroWork, a volunteer and donor-driven group that has completed several construction projects for local social agencies over the last 10 years, said last week that it was shutting down for financial reasons, including reduced donations and rising construction costs.
The closure meant that HeroWork was unable to finish work on the Power To Be project.
Luckily, however, others have stepped up to complete a project that Power To Be co-chief executive Dana Hutchings calls essential to the delivery of the group’s programs.
“We are grateful for all of the contractors and other partners who have told us they are open to continuing with Power To Be on this project,” Hutchings said. “We are excited about how the community is coming together to get this project completed.”
She said it’s estimated that it will cost $150,000 to $250,000 to finish the project.
Coast Capital Savings spokesperson Tanya Smith said the financial co-operative is donating $50,000 to “kick start” Power To Be’s campaign to get the project back on track.
“We’re seeing others coming forward donating services and other funds, and we’re excited to be part of the community of people supporting Power To Be right now,” she said.
Another supporter is Marshall Mason, co-owner of RedBlue Heating and Refrigeration, who has been part of HeroWork projects in the past. “We do mechanical work, so heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing, that kind of stuff,” he said.
Mason said the company’s staff has enjoyed being on the HeroWork team in the past, and is looking forward to carrying on.
Power To Be deserves to be supported, he said. “It’s a great program, for sure.”
The Vancouver Island Construction Association is also wanting to help, said chief executive Rory Kulmala.
“We’re going to see what we can do to support getting this project over the line,” he said. “Power To Be is a worthy cause — it’s doing great service to our community, so it seems like the right thing to do.”
HeroWork founder Paul Latour said his group continues to offer collaboration to Power To Be on the project.
“We 100 per cent support them and applaud the community for stepping up for them,” he said. “That’s what we would have done and what we really encourage the community to do, as well.”
HeroWork has completed an impressive resume of projects over the years, including the New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community run by Our Place, which helps men facing homelessness, addiction and other issues to change their lives.
HeroWork also worked on projects for Beacon Community Services and the Quadra Village Community Centre, as well as installing a commercial kitchen at an Esquimalt warehouse that has had a big impact on the Mustard Seed Street Church and the Food Share Network.
Latour said he would have liked to work on future projects that had been considered for the likes of St. Vincent de Paul and Kiwanis.
Donations for the Power to Be project can be made at powertobe.ca.
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