Radical on Renovation

Volunteers from the base and across Victoria pitched in on the latest Radical Renovation on behalf of local charity HeroWork at Peers Victoria Resource Society. Photo by John W.Penner, John’s Photography

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Volunteers from the base are again being hailed for their ‘HeroWork’, performing renovation work on a building that houses a charitable organization in Esquimalt.

Over a five-week period, from Oct. 13 to Nov. 17, 45 military personnel from the base grabbed their tool belts and demolition gear and helped local charity HeroWork and its latest ‘Radical Renovation’ project at Peers (Prostitutes Empowerment Education and Resource Society).

Peers is a non-profit that supports workers in the sex trade industry and those who wish to leave it with day-to-day needs including housing, medical assistance, financial support, advocacy, social justice, and non-judgemental support.

Multiple units pitched in with other volunteers from the community to perform $625,000 worth of improvements at the Fairview Road charity in Esquimalt. Building supplies, equipment, and other costs are paid for through charitable donations including a $10,000 donation from Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services charity Boomer’s Legacy, a frequent donor to HeroWork’s many projects.

The historic relationship between the Canadian Armed Forces, the base, and HeroWork dates back to the charity’s founding in 2010. Since its inception, HeroWork has performed over $5 million worth of renovations, but the continued and consistent efforts by both military and civilian staff from CFB Esquimalt along with military veterans from the area has been crucial for success of the projects, says Paul Latour, HeroWork CEO.

“It’s a terrific partnership that helps us rebuild community buildings,” said Latour. “Volunteers from CFB Esquimalt are an integral piece to solving the puzzle of our ability to put these programs on because they bring the people, the experience, organization, and coordination that is second to none. When they show up we know stuff is going to get done.”

Work completed at Peers includes a new kitchen, a teaching space, a new shower area, main staircase, dining area, a clothing bank, upgrades to electrical and plumbing, harm reduction resources, accommodations, counselling space, and the building’s outdoor space. On Nov. 23, HeroWork held their curtain-raiser event called a Big Reveal, where they celebrated their handy work performed in their latest project.

Base Logistics was one of multiple units that took part in the renovation, assigning four midweek work crews to accelerate the project forward and prepare for the arrival of weekend work crews.

Lieutenant Commander Dan Saunders, Base Logistics Executive Officer, was one of 14 members of his unit to volunteer and congratulated his staff for their efforts.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for the Defence Team to be involved in these projects because it allows us to connect directly with our community, often helping groups in the most need.  It also builds esprit de corps within our team, getting people off the base and working together in a very rewarding event,” said LCdr Saunders. “Our  Commanding Officer, Cdr Cynthia Smith, and the Base Commander, Capt(N) Sam Sader, are very supportive in encouraging people from our unit and those across the base to participate in initiatives like this.” 

There is little time for Latour and HeroWork volunteers to take a breather before their next initiative. They are currently finalizing the details for the rebuilding of a Single Mom’s Transition Centre beginning in the spring of 2020.

For more information about HeroWork, how to get involved as a volunteer or make a monetary or material donation of supplies visit their website www.herowork.com.