Residents of a Sources Community Resource Centres group home on 160 Street are enjoying updated kitchen and dining-room space, following renovations completed by Rotary Club of South Surrey members.
The work at Stayte House wrapped up Monday (Sept. 7), following three “solid weeks” of effort by volunteers, some of whom – including the 13-year-old grandson of two club members – pitched in six days a week, club president Rhonda Latreille said.
“It was a great project,” Latreille said Friday (Sept. 11). “The difference is really remarkable.”
Latreille said the work was planned pre-pandemic, after receiving a request late last year from Sources’ chief executive officer David Young.
“We agreed to provide the labour,” Latreille said.
According to a Fraser Health report completed following an inspection last November, its second-floor kitchen cabinets were “starting to show wear and tear,” as were various sections of the second-floor dining room flooring. There was also wear to the door trim at the entrance to the kitchen from the dining room.
A follow-up report in March notes a health and safety plan had been submitted detailing plans to upgrade the kitchen.
The pandemic put the project on hold, Latreille said, but once underway, club members worked diligently to get it done. A total of 430 volunteers hours were logged, she said.
The renovations took care of both rooms noted in the inspection report – the kitchen was stripped and completely renovated, while the dining room floor was redone. The scope of the project also grew to include the laundry area and electrical system.
“They had to rebuild the entrance as well, between the kitchen and dining room,” Latreille added.
Latreille – who moved to White Rock in 2014 and became president of the club this past July – said while the club fundraises for various projects and causes, the hands-on approach to helping is something the members take pride in.
“By and large, if we have the ability to be involved, that’s our preference,” she said.
Other efforts underway include continued support for an orphanage in Cambodia and other international projects. The club is also planning a shredding event locally for late October.
READ MORE: ‘Major upgrades’ still needed at orphanage
tholmes@peacearchnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter