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4- The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 4, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com House Five at Oaklands gets a little help from some friends By Andrew Fruch SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER VOLUNTEER HANDYMAN: Gilbert Bougie repairs a hole in the wall in preparation for Saturday's renovation of House Five at the Oaklands Regional Centre. Twenty friends are taking it upon themselves this Saturday to renovate House Five, a respite house operated by the non-profit organization Oaklands, which provides care to people five and up with disabilities. The renovation project is the brainchild of Oakville resident Stephen Bruce, who came up with the idea as part of a self-expression and leadership course he was taking with Landmark Education. "I wanted to do something that would make an impact in the community," said Bruce. "I have friends with autistic children, and it struck a chord. I wanted to do something for them so I pitched the idea to Oaklands and they thought it was great." The next step was getting together friends who wanted to help, while drafting a plan of action. It was decided that the group would paint 14 rooms in the house and repair minor wall damage. The group set about to collect painting supplies such as brushes and paint suits from friends and family. Actual paint for the renovations was a point of concern, until Home Depot and their supplier, Behr Paint, agreed to supply 40 gallons of paint for the project. Home Depot has also promised to supply any other supplies needed for renovations. "We got a great response from retailers," said Bruce. "We sent people to Home Depot, and they didn't know they would get the response they did." The group is pleased with how the project is coming together, and pleased to be doing something for the Oakland staff. "Oaklands requires the help of the community," said Valerie South, one of the friends taking part in the group, who has two autistic sons herself. "And this is good old fashioned community spirit." South says it's important for people to take an active role in their community, and for herself and her friends, helping to renovate House Five is one way to give back to Oaklands for the hard work of their staff and the service they provide. Along with renovations, Bruce, South and the rest of the team are hoping to add a few "cherries on top." Through a contact at Home Depot, there will be an artist coming in to paint an undersea mural in one of the shared rooms. Also, the group is looking for donations of new or gently-used comforters and blankets for the house. "It's all working out better than I hoped," said Bruce. "Everyone is excited and totally motivated." The group has already begun preliminary work, such as patching holes in the wall. On Saturday they will begin painting, while the staff and occupants head out on an excursion for the day. House Five has been in operation since November 2002. Being a respite house, it allows those in the community who have loved ones with disabilities a leave from the strain of constant care, by providing a safe and homely atmosphere to care for disabled individuals. House Five has three staff members per shift and cares for 10 individuals at a time. The quality of services provided at House Five will no doubt expand further after renovations are complete, and Bruce is glad to be a part of it. After completion of the project, Bruce wants remain active in helping the community and encourage others to do more As for any problems or complaints about the project, Bruce's position is evident. "There has been no downside." Anyone wishing to donate to House Five may contact Valerie South at valsouth@sympatico.ca. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER HELPING OUT: Susan Bruce fills in some cracks in the walls in preparation for Saturday's renovation of House Five at the Oaklands Regional Centre.