Thirty Acts of Kindness volunteers gathered on the front lawn of an unsuspecting Aldergrove woman, and using a loud speaker called out each of the home’s occupants.

Karen Weeks was the first to be summoned, followed by her four children, Josh, Alex, Jesse, and Paige. Much to the amazement of the single mother, and her kids, they were selected as recipients of this year’s Extreme Home Repair.

The Aldergrove Seventh-Day Adventist Church has an Acts of Kindness (AOK) outreach program that since 1996, has been actively seeking out unique and meaningful ways to better the lives of individuals and families within Aldergrove and Langley.

In 2004, the church-based group launched a localized version of the popular reality television show Extreme Home Makeover. While this group doesn’t have the financial or volunteer whereforall to build a new home from the ground up for a needy family, they have done some incredible remodelling, renovating, and redesigning of homes for local residents.

Last year, for instance, they transformed the 29th Avenue home belonging to Joyce Myckatyn and her four kids. This year, they’re tackling the Weeks’ Aldergrove residence, with a goal of making it safer and healthier for this local family to live in.

The family knew a few weeks earlier that they’d been nominated, among others for the AOK project. But much to their surprise, they learned they’d actually been selected as the 2010 recipients when the AOK team recently showed up at their door late one Friday afternoon.

“Karen was expecting to meet with the AOK team to answer more [qualifying] questions over a cup of tea,” explained Extreme Home Repair coordinator Lorne Brownmiller. Unbeknownst to her, the decision had already been made. Brownmiller and his large posse were actually there to congratulate the Weeks family.

“[Karen’s] first response was shock and then jokingly apologized that she didn’t have enough tea for us all,” Brownmiller said. “We are excited and look forward to improving the Weeks’ home, not only in comfort, but in safety for the health of the family,” he said, explaining some of the defects and difficulties the teacher’s assistant faces with her quaint old home.

“She listed numerous problems that made their home difficult to live in such as: electrical, a 1960 circa furnace, lack of insulation in the back bedroom, poor attic ventilation coupled with old windows causing mold to grow in most of the rooms. When asked about the family’s health we learned that both Alexandria and Jesse suffer with asthma that is progressively getting worse,” Brownmiller said.

The AOK team take over the Weeks home for 10 days in May, beginning the repairs on May 14 and revealing the finish work on May 24. This will be the seventh Extreme Home Repair, and typically half the volunteers come from within the church congregation, while the other half are kind-hearted members of the community who want to help.

Myckatyn, last year’s recipient, has actually offered to help with this year’s project, as has one of her daughters. “Each year we continue to receive more support and encouragement from our suppliers and volunteers,” said Brownmiller, noting many involved in the 2009 are already on board for this year.

Anyone interested in being involved as a volunteers is encouraged to call 604-856-5879 or email: aldergrovesda@shaw.ca.

“The project brings together over 200 volunteers, dozens of community-minded businesses, friends, family, and neighbours, to give the selected recipients a fresh start in a safe and comfortable environment,” Brownmiller said.

“We invite you to come be a part of something that not only improves a home and a family, but transforms a community and makes a positive impact on our neighbours. You won’t believe it till you live it.”

New materials needed for the 2010 Extreme Home Repair:

- New Shingles ( 14 square )
- Windows and doors
- Vented soffit
- Vinyl siding
- Facia boards
- Pavers and concrete
- Driveway sealer
- 2 x 10s 2 x 4s, Plywood and OSB
- Metal cladding
- Clear fiberglass roofing panels 12’ x 16’
- Fencing materials (for repairs)
- 2-6’ Baseboard heaters with controls
- Casing, baseboard, crown molding
- Prehung doors, bifolds, 1– 2’2” pocket door
- Door knobs, deadbolts
- Closet organizers X 4
- Drywall, tape, mud, bead, and screws
- Insulation, blown in and batts
- Medicine cabinets for bathroom
- Bathtub (jetted)
- 2 toilets
- 2 bathroom vanities
- Tub filler with shower
- 2 faucets
- Tankless water heater
- In-house vacuum system – rough in and finish
- Stackable washer and dryer
- H/C water with drain, hammer arrest to pex
- Miscellaneous plumbing fittings and pipe
- Electrical subpanel 60? and 100? amp
- Miscellaneous electrical wire, plugs, and switches
- Bedroom, bathroom and hallway lighting
- Paint, sanding materials, brushes and rollers
- Masking materials, tape and poly
- New furnace with dehumidifier
- New grills and register covers
- Tile, both wall and floor for bathrooms
- Linoleum 6’ x 14’
- Kitchen cabinets and countertops
- Double sink and faucet with spray
- Fridge, stove, hood,dishwasher,microwave
- Four new beds with frames
- Bedding and pillows
- Window blinds and drapes
- Dressers, night stands
- Pictures, dressing mirrors
- Large mirror for exercise area
- Dishes, cutlery, serving bowls
- Table and chairs
- Living room furniture
- Coffee table and side tables
- Coat rack at front entry

Additional wish list items

- Exercise equipment
- Above ground pool
- Barbecue
- Patio furniture/ lounger
- Patio umbrella
- Large flat screen TV
- Surround-sound stereo

This list represents where we are starting with this family , it will grow as more becomes involved and the project unfolds. To donated, call 604.856.5879 or email: aldergrovesda@shaw.ca.

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