NEWS
The Marine Communities Food Bank in Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia was on the brink of permanently closing its doors when Atlantic Provinces DC39 stepped in with some much-needed help.
The mounting heating costs, lack of sufficient insulation, and issues with volunteer retention put the future of The Marine Communities Food Bank, an important Eastern shore lifeline run completely by volunteers, in jeopardy.
When Edie Rossiter, President of The Marine Communities Food Bank and community activist, approached DC39 Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Jonathan Gaul and retired IUPAT General Presidents Rep. and past Local 138 Business Manager Michael McRae requesting assistance in upgrading their facilities, they both agreed.
To get the project started, they assigned DC39 Business Representative Wilf Jarvis to coordinate donations of materials and labour from signatory employers and members. Jarvis was also responsible for liaise with McRae for onsite applications and installations.
What resulted was truly a portrait of team work at its best.
The wooden floors, completely exposed to outside elements, were coated with 4" of spray foam insulation supplied by DC39 multi-trade signatory employer, Parker Kaefer Inc. General Manager Tom Fitzpatrick and applied by member employees Vern MacGregor and Kevin Pineo.
Heavy gauge sheet metal skirting was cut and supplied by signatory glazing contractor Roy Pennell, President of Markland Associates Ltd. and applied to the previously exposed exterior of the building.
Volunteer members removed old drywall from previously uninsulated walls, and installed proper insulation and new drywall to an R20 factor. Also, new electrical heating, fixtures and necessary wiring, etc. was purchased by DC39 and installed by retired IBEW members. New shelving was installed on walls to facilitate the storage and easy packing of food hampers for distribution.
Heavy gauge sheet metal skirting was cut and supplied by signatory glazing contractor Roy Pennell, President of Markland Associates Ltd. and applied to the previously exposed exterior of the building.
Volunteer members removed old drywall from previously uninsulated walls, and installed proper insulation and new drywall to an R20 factor. Also, new electrical heating, fixtures and necessary wiring, etc. was purchased by DC39 and installed by retired IBEW members. New shelving was installed on walls to facilitate the storage and easy packing of food hampers for distribution.
They also now have enough space to store and supply used clothing, furniture and appliances as required.
"Our food bank is now warm and spacious," said Rossiter. "Structures have been replaced, repaired and we now offer humane working conditions for our much needed volunteers."
"It has been a pleasurable experience to see what DC39, their employers and members have accomplished for our communities and we remain forever appreciative and thankful of their commitment and efforts," she said.
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