July 16, 2012

Young professionals help fix up a camp for sick kids

ASSOCIATION GUIDE

VRCA U40 NETWORK

VRCA U40 Network members completed a variety of construction and landscaping tasks at the Zajac Ranch for Children in Mission B.C.

Earlier this year, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association U40 Network, formerly known as the U35 Network, spent a day helping fix up the Zajac Ranch for Children in Mission B.C.

"It's good to give back," said Fraser McIntosh, chair of the U40 Network's executive committee.

The ranch provides a safe and enjoyable camp experience for children with serious and chronic illnesses, disabilities and medical conditions.

The camp is for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend camp due to their medical challenges and financial resources.

It is the only medical camp in Canada that supports multiple conditions thanks to a medical clinic on-site staffed by volunteer nurses and doctors.

“It really gives you a good feeling to help out,” McIntosh said.

The endeavour was part of the network’s annual volunteer day.

Along with family and friends, and armed with cash and in-kind donations from VRCA member companies, the young construction professionals completed a long list of construction and landscaping tasks for the camp.

“There was so much support from the association,” McIntosh said.

In a thank-you letter to the network, the ranch president praised their efforts.

“The hard work you put in, not only on the various construction and expansion projects, but in organizing the volunteers at the ranch as well, will help us to continue to raise the spirts of children with serious and chronic illnesses and disabilities, who attend our camp,” wrote Carmen Zajac.

Previous volunteer day efforts included repainting a low income housing development on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C.

However, the group’s work at the ranch isn’t done.

“We’re going to stick with the Zajac Ranch for a while,” he said.

McIntosh said there are a variety of projects at the camp that the U40s want to help with.

“It will be ongoing throughout the year,” he said.

The objective of the VRCA U40 Network is to develop an informal communication network among young future executives—under 40 years old.

However, the group has taken their combined expertise and resources to help others in the community.

JOC NEWS SERVICE

VRCA U40 NETWORK

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