It was a big day for Oliver Finlayson when his pool arrived on Monday, Nov. 16.

The pool will be a life-changer for nine-year-old Oliver, and it wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have happened without the help of the Cowichan Lake community. Through generous fundraising and in-kind work, the community made OliverB次元官网网址檚 pool possible.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e never lived in such a special place where everyone still gives people the shirts off their backs,B次元官网网址� OliverB次元官网网址檚 mom, Amie Mattice said.

Oliver lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and time in the water is a big help in coping with the condition. Hydrotherapy helps him relax and helps him get stronger, not to mention that he just loves swimming. He was travelling to Duncan for hydrotherapy treatment at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre, which was inconvenient enough before the facility shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week marks one year since the family started the process of buying and installing the pool.

B次元官网网址淲e started fundraising for a pool because we were sick and tired of going to Duncan all the time,B次元官网网址� Mattice explained.

Among many other supporters, the Kinsmen Club, friends, family and the rest of the community have joined the campaign to help Oliver. The family has made more than $5,000 from collecting cans and bottles, and the Help Fill a Dream Foundation contributed $10,000.

B次元官网网址淟ots of people have come together to fundraise,B次元官网网址� Mattice commented.

Oliver was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular disorder, five years ago, shortly after the family moved to Lake Cowichan from Sooke. Among other effects, Oliver will lose the ability to walk as he grows up.

B次元官网网址淏y the early teens, the heart and respiratory muscles may also be affected,B次元官网网址� reads an explanation on Muscular Dystrophy CanadaB次元官网网址檚 website. B次元官网网址淎 diagnosis of DMD includes a shortened life expectancy and the expectation that eventually, equipment such as a wheelchair and respiratory aids will be required. With exciting new advances in research into DMD over recent years, incredible increases in quality of life and life expectancy are being experienced by patients.B次元官网网址�

There are ways to stem the effects of DMD, such as hydrotherapy, and Oliver is taking part in a clinical trial at BC ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Hospital. He is aware of his condition, but that doesnB次元官网网址檛 make things easier for the family.

B次元官网网址淗e knows whatB次元官网网址檚 going to happen,B次元官网网址� Mattice said. B次元官网网址淏ut itB次元官网网址檚 still not easy to talk about in front of him.B次元官网网址�

The pool isnB次元官网网址檛 the only addition to the Finlayson-Mattice residence that has been made possible by the communityB次元官网网址檚 generosity. Neighbours Al and Janene coordinated an effort between Karlite Manufacturing and Irly Bird to get a ramp built at the front steps, and another couple, Tonya and Chris Halusiak, got Coastal Concrete Works and Surespan involved in building the pad for the pool in the backyard.

Gary Miller also donated time and materials to help get the pool up and running.

B次元官网网址淎 lot of people have come together,B次元官网网址� Mattice said. Even now that it is installed, the family still owes a good chunk of money for the pool. To get it paid off, they will continue to collect cans, and have a GoFundMe site set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-pool-for-oliver