Power To Be is looking for help completing a project at its Prospect Lake site after the closure of HeroWork.
The project features a barn being transformed into a multi-purpose program space and the construction of a new pavilion.
“Each component is about 60 to 75 per cent complete,” Power To Be co-CEO Jason Cole said. “We’re currently looking for assistance from skilled workers or folks in the trades that will come with their organization. As we get further down the road with the project, we will be looking for more support from general labourers and folks that can help out around the site with landscaping and things like that.”
HeroWork announced on Aug. 31 that it was closing its doors after nearly 10 years of renovating buildings for charities in Greater Victoria. The society, in a statement, cited increasing construction costs, reduced returns on fundraising and successive financial losses on renovation projects as the reasons.
“This was really unfortunate news,” Cole added. “They’ve done amazing work supporting charities.”
Power To Be is still gathering information but believes $150,000 to $250,000 will be needed to complete the project.
“The big part at this point is funding,” Cole said. “We really need the community to help fill these needs.”
If Power To Be receives more donations than needed for the play space and pavilion, every dollar will go back to the non-profit’s programs, which create access to nature for youth, families and adults living with cognitive, physical, financial and social barriers.
“The buildings we’re working on will be highly utilized and will be key elements to providing opportunities for people to access nature and be included,” Cole said. “This will also give us a needed shelter for the rainy season and the hot season.”
Vancouver Island Construction Association and RedBlue Heating and Refrigeration are both helping out with the project, and Coast Capital Savings is donating $50,000 for the pavilion.
“My heart is full of gratitude because we’ve received a good response from the construction community to help us get this project to the finish line,” Cole said. “To see people reaching out and offering support has been very heartwarming.”
The project’s construction began in April, and Power To Be is hoping the work will be completed by the end of 2023.
“The project is about two months behind at this point,” Cole added.
Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can visit powertobe.ca.
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