The Vancouver Island Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers Local 276 is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. In honour of that milestone, they wanted to do something special for the community.

Based on the West Shore, Local 276 wanted to engage its roughly 500 members and they pulled together to raise funds over the course of the year. Through many different fundraising campaigns, ranging from bottle drives to silent auctions to private donations, they raised more than $14,000, an amount presented in the form of a cheque to representatives of the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Foundation at Jeneece Place in View Royal last Thursday.

B次元官网网址淥ur members work and live in this community and this what we do,B次元官网网址� said Mark Curtis, Local 276 business manager. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been a major team effort.B次元官网网址�

When asked why they chose to direct the funds to Jeneece Place and the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Foundation, Curtis said, B次元官网网址渋t was just a good fit.B次元官网网址�

He added that a number of the union members had connections with the house and foundation. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e really pleased to help out.B次元官网网址�

Bob Campbell, a board member with the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Foundation, said it was a good partnership because both parties focus on serving the community.

B次元官网网址淭his donation will allow us to help kids on Vancouver Island,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭he benefit of the house speaks for itself.B次元官网网址�

Joining Curtis on a tour of Jeneece Place were fellow union members Trevor West and Amy Carr, whose husband installed the floors they were standing on, she noted.

Jeneece Edroff, the girl behind the dream, and house manager Christina Peacock led the tour of the facilities.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had families that have worked on this house, but have never thought theyB次元官网网址檇 need it,B次元官网网址� Peacock said. She noted the community has really taken ownership of it in an effort to keep that B次元官网网址渟ense of comfortB次元官网网址� for those who need it.

B次元官网网址淥ur occupancy is well over 80 per cent (for the year),B次元官网网址� she said, adding that some months range higher than 90 per cent.

The house has the capacity to accommodate 10 families, but has seen as many as 13 using the facility, with some camping out nearby in motorhomes. The house is designed to support the overflow, with spacious living areas and facilities available for those just wanting to grab a quick shower or do a load of laundry.

Families use the house in a variety of ways and for a number of reasons. Some use a B次元官网网址渄ay passB次元官网网址� when their child is receiving treatment or tests. Peacock said most often guests end up in the house due to emergency situations, procedures with extended hospital stays, or baby-related issues that require a stay near the neonatal intensive care unit. Sometimes in extreme circumstances, she added, house guests have a parent in the hospital and the rest of the family stays at Jeneece Place because they need to be close.

Edroff, who will soon turn 22, hasnB次元官网网址檛 forgotten the legacy she created with her penny drives so many years ago. She often stops by just to visit B次元官网网址� a small gesture that is often greatly appreciated by families using the facilities.

B次元官网网址淗earing that makes me realize what I did really matters,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been amazing.B次元官网网址�

She started collecting pennies at the age of six, but turned her focus to creating Jeneece Place at the age of 14 when she realized there was a real need on the Island for a facility like it. B次元官网网址淚 wanted to help kids,B次元官网网址� she said. She achieved that goal when the facility had its grand opening on her 18th birthday.

Carr said her children B次元官网网址渁ll collect coins to keep it going.B次元官网网址�

When asked what members of the community can do, Edroff said they can help by B次元官网网址渃oming in, making a meal, volunteering.B次元官网网址� Often local residents will donate their services by providing massages or doing family membersB次元官网网址� hair. B次元官网网址淭hose little things make a difference,B次元官网网址� she said.

Added Peacock: B次元官网网址淲e just try to respond with whateverB次元官网网址檚 needed B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 great when people phone and we can see what their interests are.B次元官网网址�

For more information call 250-479-9908 or go to .

katie@goldstreamgazette.com