There’s a group of young business professionals in Greater Victoria who meet regularly to talk about ways to help in their community. They call themselves The Charity Guys.
Dan Melville, co-owner of Victoria-based Westco Construction with fellow Alberta native Jeremy West, is part of the crew. He’s been looking for a way to give back using his company’s services and tossed around ideas like building a ramp for someone in a wheelchair, or doing some minor home renovations for a family in need.
With a busy company to run, having to undertake a selection process for candidates was a bit unwieldy. But when a fellow Charity Guy told him Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Victoria can always use help, the fit was perfect.
“These people are very dedicated to their work to helping people, and if we can make their lives a little easier, it’s worth it,” Melville says in the non-profit organization’s lobby on Bay Street. “It’s not a huge reno, but they’re thrilled with it.”
The first step is building an office off the main waiting area for development co-ordinator Holly Hatch, who needs privacy on calls. Melville secured donations of wallboard and framing materials from Lumberworld.
Future jobs include replacing some worn-out flooring, putting up cabinets and creating storage for old files, and replacing a flight of wooden stairs at the back of the building.
“We’d like to do a couple of these projects a year,” Melville says. Visit Westco online at westcoconstruction.com or call 250-590-1636.
Santa visiting town at various merchants
The jolly old elf is stopping by Root Cellar Village Green Grocer, 1286 McKenzie Ave. on Dec. 7 and 8 from noon to 4 p.m., helping open their Christmas tree forest fundraiser for the Rainbow Community Kitchen. Pet lovers in the crowd can get their photo with Santa and their pet Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Dog Dish and Friends in Fairfield Plaza, and the same hours Dec. 14 at Moka House Coffee in Cook Street Village. Both are fundraisers for Tiny’s Town Dog Rescue.
Cruise consultants gain sparkling rewards
Agents from Expedia CruiseShip Centers in Victoria and Sidney were recognized for their sales efforts at a recent national conference in Vancouver. Earning President’s Circle emerald awards were Sandy Perry and Phyllis Saddler, while Lexia Anklovitch, Cathy Larsen and Margaret Statham achieved platinum awards. Eight consultants earned gold awards, four received silver and six bronze.
Portable spa service enhancing parties
Maria Koropecky is working with local companies to make their office Christmas parties more special. Her business, Homespunspa Mobile Spa, was established in 2001, but she created a mobile division in 2011 to offer manicures and pedicures, chair and aromatherapy massages and facials at gatherings and offices. Visit homespunspa-mobilespa.com or call 250-812-3487.
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