Locals donate to group home

Residents of a North Vancouver group home are enjoying a new club room, thanks to local contractors and suppliers who donated labour and materials for its construction.

Working through the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders' Association (GVHBA), about a dozen renovation specialists volunteered their services to convert a carport at the Peters Road facility into a workable space that group-home residents and participants in a day program can use year-round for a variety of activities.

Hours are Monday to Thursday as well as Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. at Capilano Ridge. RJR Construction Management Ltd. will accept coats Monday through Sunday, 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

"It was a very crowded place, and the space we were using wasn't enough for the program's seven participants and three staff. It was hard. Now they have their own privacy", she said.

The renovation is valued at about $7,000, according to Bob Rasmus, who coordinated the project along with Mark Ashcroft. Both are members of the GVHBA's renovation council, a committee of homebuilders that undertakes one or two volunteer projects in the Lower Mainland per year.

Individuals and business that participate in the North Van project include: Brava Drywall, electrician David Evenson, Ralph Belisle of TQ Construction, Hollyburn Lumber, John Friswell of Canadian Contractor, George Grunau, Mark Reimer of Inner Space Interiors, Lynn Valley Lions Club, Ray Bales Painting, General Paints and Concept I Carpet.

Operators of the group home are currently looking for donations of a sofa, loveseat and desk to furnish the new club room. Anyone with an item to donate is asked to call 984-9321