With the swing of hammers and axes the 10th annual Extreme Home Repair began Friday morning in Aldergrove.
Some 200 to 300 volunteers will contribute to the major reconstruction and remodeling of the older single story home over the next two weeks, in time for the "big reveal" on Victoria Day for homeowner Cathy Dunn and her two sons, Ian and Jamie.
The Dunn family was selected for this year's project by the AOK outreach team and Aldergrove Seventh-day Adventist Church, which started this annual makeover 10 years ago to "enhance lives by providing home repairs for families who are in extreme need."
Pastor Mike Dauncey said, "Extreme Home Repair has made a difference in rebuilding the quality of lives in our community."
Friday's "Swing the Sledgehammer" event kicked off the work. Following brief speeches to the crowd, MLA Rich Coleman, Township Councillor and Deputy Mayor Michelle Sparrow and Fire Chief Steven Gamble were invited to take the first swings at the old house with hammers and axes. Then the Extreme Home Repair team swung into action, ripping out old drywall and siding.
Dauncey said work will continue daily, except Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and he invited anyone who wished to help to simply show up at the house at 26579 - 30A Avenue.
"Anyone can volunteer, and we will put you to work," said Dauncey.
What began in 2004 as a "humble effort" to repair siding and plumbing in the first home that was selected has grown into a major upgrade valued at well over $150,000 in labour and materials. All materials, like the labour, are contributed by some 125 corporate donors as well as other volunteers.
In the case of the Dunn home, a leaky roof and the resulting mold means that the entire home will be stripped to the bones to ensure that all rot and suspect materials can be replaced. The roof will be replaced and the interior will also be redesigned for a more modern "open" layout.
The Dunn family will be staying at a hotel for the two weeks, courtesy of the AOK team, and will return on Monday, May 20, at 5 p.m., when the homecoming party will host the "reveal party" and show the family the results.
Aldergrove's Extreme Home Makeover volunteer team began work on the Dunn home on Friday morning.
Extreme Home Repair leader, Pastor Mike Dauncey, with the "Swing the Sledgehammer" crew, MLA Rich Coleman, Councillor Michelle Sparrow and Fire Chief Steven Gamble.
Rot and mold are among the challenges to this year's Extreme Home Repair project.
"Swing the Sledgehammer" crew, MLA Rich Coleman, Councillor Michelle Sparrow and Fire Chief Steven Gamble began work on the 10th annual Extreme Home Repair.