August 21, 2009 - 9:11am
The Canadian Red Cross office recently got a helping hand with some renovations thanks to a volunteer framing crew from Vancouver Island University.
“The students framed an unfinished space to create a meeting room and volunteer area,” said Diane Marwick, Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) Coordinator, who added that the office has been in its current location since July 2008. “It was a big help to us, because as a non-profit we rely on community support to fund our activities. The students did a great job and were very professional.”
The building houses a number of Red Cross programs including the HELP program which provides short term loans of items like wheel chairs and hospital beds to the community on a by donation basis.
According to instructor Earl Tushingham, the job was completed by 15 students in VIU’s entry level carpentry program who were in their last month of classes.
“It was fairly simple for these students, but they enjoyed the challenge,” he said, adding the projects gave the new carpenters an extra two days of building experience before entering their work placements.
VIU’s Carpentry program covers a broad spectrum of learning in the basic aspects of carpentry and residential construction to prepare students for employment as apprentices in the building industry.
Students usually build a house in the community for experience. This year’s house was a bit smaller than usual, which meant the class had some extra time for the Red Cross project.
“We certainly like to help out if there is time available,” Tushingham said. “It teaches the students to give to the community.”
After the project was finished, students were sent to work experience placements, with most of the class securing employment from their placements.
The framing was part of a larger Red Cross renovation funded by donations, including a $44,000 contribution provided by the Human Resources and Skills Development Enabling Accessibility Fund. “We’re hoping to complete the project sometime in the fall,” said Marwick.
The Nanaimo Red Cross continues to accept donations to complete renovations on the building. Anyone wishing to contribute to the renovation fund can contact the Nanaimo Red Cross at 250-756-9363. The office is located at 3-2525 McCullough Road in Nanaimo.
The next program entry level carpentry program at VIU begins in September. For more information contact the trades department at 250-740-6121 or visit the website at www.viu.ca/carpentry.
Tags: In the Community
