RENOVATORS BUILD WHEELCHAIR RAMPS FOR LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS

On Saturday, August 25, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) Renovation Council launched its innovative Ramps Program, the free construction of sturdy wheelchair ramps for low-income homeowners living with mobility challenges.

The first ramp was built for Maggie Cajar, 62, and her mother, Mary McPhate, 85, at their home in Burnaby. Maggie suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, is on a disability pension, and most days relies on a motorized wheelchair to get around. Mary requires in-home nursing care and, when she is feeling well enough to leave her bed, also relies heavily on a wheelchair.

The existing ramp, which was constructed many years ago for Mary, was rotting and the unstable structure was no longer able to safely support a heavy power wheelchair.

Despite being extremely busy on their own renovation projects across the Lower Mainland, a team of GVHBA-member professional renovators volunteered their time to dismantle and remove the existing ramp, then construct a new ramp. All required building materials and removal costs were donated. The work was completed in six hours.

"It’s wonderful. The renovators don’t even know us, yet they are supplying the materials and are doing the work for free. We couldn’t afford a new ramp and we were starting to get worried about how we were going to manage getting in and out of the house if the old ramp collapsed," said Cajar.

"My parents built this little house 62 years ago. The man on the corner raised goats and all our neighbours kept chickens. There are so many memories here for us. We love our garden and my mom enjoys sitting out there among the flowers and the birds. The new ramp will be well used," she said.

Renovation contractor Joe Heilman, who co-ordinated this inaugural ramp build, said the GVHBA Renovation Council members responded quickly to the call for their time and expertise.

"I am thrilled with the response from our members, who said they were just happy their small gesture could make such a big difference to a family," said Heilman.

Thank you to the GVHBA members who volunteered time to help build this ramp:

Joe Heilman, JHC Craftsmen (RAMPS Construction Coordinator)
Jeff Bain, JKB Construction
Ralph Belisle, T.Q. Construction
John Friswell, CCI Renovations
John Juzyniec, Solution Renovations
Martin McKeown, Birch Creek Home Renovations
Leo Noort, Solution Renovations
John Quinton, Quinton Construction
Stacey Reeves, Right Hand Man
Matthew Vagg, Cypress Fine Homes

GVHBA would also like to acknowledge Fresh Start Recycling and Disposal for removing the old ramp; Houston Landscapes for the landscaping; and Standard Building Supplies for the building materials.