A local woman, described as "selfless and kind-hearted" by friends, lived in a home that lacked insulation and was partially over-run by mold. That was until volunteers and businesses took it upon themselves to provide her and her family with a clean, safe home.
On Nov. 11, about 30 individuals and a dozen local businesses banded together to help the family by repairing and fixing the mobile home of a woman identified only as "Mrs. M." It required urgent repairs, explained Leanne Tucker, who organized the home makeover with her husband, Matt Tucker, owner of Noah's Ark Construction.
Mrs. M. was kept in the dark about the home makeover plans. Tucker arranged for Mr. Rite Limosine to pick Mrs. M and her son up after work and take her out to dinner at a local restaurant. The cost of the limousine and dinner was paid for by another friend.
"She had no idea (what was happening)," said Tucker. "She only found out when the limo brought her home, around 9 p.m."
Mrs. M's mobile home was uninsulated, and black mold had grown throughout the bathroom. Wooden stairs leading into the home, as well as planks in the deck around it, had rotted out, while one of the doors had to be completely removed as it and the area around it had rotted out as well.
Work done on the deck and the bathroom was extensive enough to require permits, which were acquired prior to Nov. 11.
"Anything that has to do with volunteering, she's involved," said Tucker, explaining that Mrs. M is involved with Valley East days, the local school board, her church, and other area organizations.
"(She) is one of the most dedicated, selfless and kind-hearted people we've ever met. She gives so much to her community, her friends, and her family, without ever expecting anything in return.
"We've been friends for several years," said Tucker. "I've watched her give and give until it hurts ... she refused to ask for help."
As winter approached, Mrs. M had become increasingly worried about something, Tucker explained. She asked, and Mrs. M explained her worries about the cost of heating her home this year. This is how Tucker found out about the problems with the woman's home.
"We'd like to help her up, and this is a great way to do it," explained Tucker. She said she didn't want her friend to worry about how to heat her home during the winter.
With the help of volunteers and donated skills and materials, the home was completely re-insulated, the bathroom completely gutted to remove the mold infestation, and the roof, deck, stairs, and door were repaired. Work was also done on the roof.
Many of the repairs were really important, as the black mold presented a health risk. Special masks and gloves, donated by Equipment North, were worn by workers to protect them from the mold in the bathroom, said Tucker.
The cost of donated materials is estimated at about $15,000, while the donated labour is valued at about $12,000.
"We completed about $15,000 in repairs (and) renos yesterday (Nov. 11). The remaining, which is mostly cosmetic, will be completed today," said Tucker. The cosmetic work includes cleaning, painting, and installing flooring.
Tucker put everything together in less than 72 hours, and despite the short notice, the following companies came forward to donate time, money and materials: Noah's Ark Construction, Furoy Insulation, Val Caron Equipment, House of Broadloom, Remi Gosselin Flooring, Villeneuve Financial, Rona/Cashway, Val Caron ScotiaBank, Equipment North, ValleyView Community Church, United Steelworkers Local 6500, Mr. Rite Limousine, OFS Inc., New Orleans Pizza, RD Developments, and Day Construction.
"A hand up, not a hand out - that's what this is. We're privileged to do this," said Tucker.
