The Wor-Kin Shop has initial approval to proceed with construction of their new Day Program building. "It feels very good to have achieved initial approval," said Andria Brady, executive director of the Wor-Kin Shop.
The Wor-Kin Shop has initial approval to proceed with construction of their new Day Program building.
"It feels very good to have achieved initial approval," said Andria Brady, executive director of the Wor-Kin Shop. "Our plan is to still start construction this fall, and get the exterior walls closed up before winter."
"Our clients, staff and their families and getting more and more excited," said Brady.
Two new donations were announced during the Wor-Kin Shop's annual general meeting on Wednesday night, one for $50,000 and the other for $100,000.
"Both of these were made with the condition that they remain anonymous; they do not want the recognition but simply want to see our project move forward," said Brady.
"It was expressed to me that there are people who have been fortunate to see success in doing something they enjoy; and being able to share that success with our most vulnerable citizens in turns gives them satisfaction," said Brady.
The two donations brought the Wor-Kin Shop close enough to their fundraising goal of $500,000 that they have received the initial approval to proceed with construction.
During the next three to four weeks, the Wor-Kin Shop will be finalizing their blueprints for the new building, and will submit those to the Ministry of Social Services for final approval.
"Additionally, we have received confirmation that the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation has made a commitment of funding; the amount to be determined once final budget details are available," said Brady.
Currently the Wor-Kin Shop is able to serve 32 clients at their present location on East Avenue, but the facilities are inadequate as they have a waiting list nearly the same length but no capacity to handle them. There are many problems with the current facility, from inadequate washroom facilities to a lack of space to handle any more than the 32 clients they currently serve in the program space.
The new location for the day program is on land already purchased for the purpose on First Avenue northwest, across the highway from Tatagwa View long-term care centre.
By moving into the new facility, the SARCAN depot will be able to expand their recycling facilities. The woodworking shop will remain where it is, at the back of the East Avenue facility.
