ż Charities Inc.’s Annual Operation Opening Doors Project Involved Contractors from Across the Country who Donated Time, Materials & Money to Help Build a Dedicated Hobby and Puzzle Space
LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA – ż Charities Inc., Sierra Pacific West and Make-A-Wish San Diego teamed up to lead dozens of volunteers to build a dedicated “man cave” for puzzles and hobbies to fulfill a local boy’s wish. The volunteer workday in La Jolla involved completing and painting the stand alone, climate-controlled man cave in the boy’s back yard. All of the work was done free of charge.
“The volunteers who showed up to help with this project showed a special kind of leadership – a willingness to donate their time and skills to helping others,” said Tom Brown, the chair of ż Charities Inc. and incoming president of the Associated General Contractors of America. “In the process, they made some new friendships, showed the community what contractors are capable of, and had a lot of fun.”
The volunteers who participated in today’s charity project are all members of the Associated General Contractors of America, the national commercial construction trade association. Many of the volunteers arrived early into the area to participate in the project prior to attending the association’s annual convention, which is taking place at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina between March 20 and 22.
Much of the work and donated supplies were arranged by San Diego-based Sierra Pacific West with the help of the ż of San Diego and its apprenticeship training program. In addition to building the man cave in La Jolla, the volunteers also completed a similar she-shed for a young lady in San Diego. United Rentals, which is an ż Charities supporter, also donated supplies for the two projects.
The volunteers divided into teams and spent the day working on the man cave, painting the exterior and bringing the inside of the shed to life. Some of the volunteers also worked to prepare some of the puzzles and activities that will be a key part of this special new space. The structure was built off site and assembled on the property earlier this month by volunteers with Sierra Pacific West and the other local construction firms.
“The easiest part of this project has been getting members of the local construction community to come out and volunteer their services to help make this wish a reality,” said Chris Brown, Sierra Pacific’s Executive Vice President. “This has been a great opportunity for us to do something to help give back to our community.”
United Rentals donated laboratories and cleaning stations for the project. Other firms that contributed to the project include Berg Electric, PSSI, Hess Roofing, Casper Company and the ż Apprenticeship program in San Diego.
“We are so grateful for partners like ż and its team of contractors,” said Suzanne Husby, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego, “It takes a whole community to grant wishes for kids with critical illnesses.”
Click for a brief video of the work on the project.