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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 18, 2007 - 3 Even the volunteers were surprised by Oaklands makeover By Andrew Fruch SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER For the staff and families who use House Five, a respite house run by Oaklands, a fresh coat of paint can really make a difference. But they received more than that when a group of volunteers took it upon themselves to completely make over the house. The group first repaired holes in the walls, before repainting almost all the rooms in the house, as well as having an artist paint a mural in one of the rooms. "It went very well," said Rose Thachuk, manager of House Five, who also took part in the painting. "They were very organized and everything went wonderful. The families were thrilled and the staff are enjoying it. Everyone really loves the mural and the whole house looks brighter." The renovations took place on May 5 when the individuals at the respite house were out on a day trip. It took a whole day to complete the project, with volunteers working from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the whole day going smoothly. "It went down very well," said Stephen Bruce, who organized the project. "The LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER HAPPY VOLUNTEER: Artist Kathy Tewari stands in front of the mural she painted on the wall of House Five, a respite home run by Oaklands. whole day was a success, there wasn't a single hiccup." All painting supplies were provided courtesy of Home Depot. A team captain at the store, Vishan Gunness coordinated the donation, and according to Bruce, "represented the best of Home Depot with total class." It was through another employee at the store that the group came into contact with local artist Cathy Tewari, who painted the mural. Tewari spent approximately a week painting a detailed underwater scene in the common room of House Five. The final results of the renovations exceeded expectations, and the volunteers were amazed with the work they had accomplished. "It couldn't have gone any better," said Bruce. "The results were way (better) than we expected. I was expecting everything to turn out good, but I was amazed, some of our friends were better painters than I thought, and everyone was so positive and eager to do more." Along with the renovations, a few extra surprises were added to House Five, adding to its new look. Wal-Mart donated a gift card with a value of $150, which the group used to purchase new and matching comforters for various rooms in the house. Canadian Tire donated a new computer chair for the staff office and a friend of Bruce's donated a box containing countless DVDs. After the day was complete, all the volunteers celebrated at the private residence of one of the group. The project was an overwhelming success and it has inspired Bruce and others to continue with their involvement in the community. "I have more appreciation for the needs of the community," said Bruce. "Myself and my friends are committed to doing more, we know we can really get things done." Although there are no plans as of yet, Thechuk said that Oaklands may consider the possibility of having Bruce work with them again in the future. For House Five, the people who frequent it and their families, the work done by Bruce and his friends has become a symbol of just how much difference a dedicated group of individuals can make. Lot of work for a little bit of food 538 Plains Road, Burlington ON L7T 2E3 phone: (905) 632-2400 · fax: (905) 632-4600 www.autotek.ca e-mail: info@autotek.ca BEAT THE RUSH WITH OUR SUMMER SPECIAL Includes: FREE Blower, FREE Front, FREE Brickliner. SL550TRS ASHLEA WESSEL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER HELPING OUT: MacLachlan College students participated in a 30-Hour Famine for World Vision last weekend at the school. The students learned what an average day is like in Africa by performing household duties like grinding wheat for flour. Sam Nelson (front) holds up a handful of rice, while toiling in the background are fellow students (l-r) Richard Shin Brad Kurmey, Larissa Sobie, Caroline Davies, Jamie Watt, Shannon Cattani and Bruna Nigra. Organizers report the 35 participants raised about $5,000 for World Vision. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066