Pictured above from left to right: Mark Agius, Flynn Canada; Don Marks, Rooftop Rescue; Doug Brown, Peridot Supply; Brad Noodle, Flynn Canada; Aretha Khaloo, Haven on the Queensway.
Aretha Khaloo, Director of Operations at Haven on the Queensway recounted how fortunate their charitable organization was when they were able to find a much-needed larger building just around the corner from their tiny location on the Queensway in west Toronto’s Etobicoke area.
Not all rosy though. The building required significant renovations including a new roof. They were starting work on the interior, but the roof was leaking, and a complete roof replacement was necessary. They had obtained quotations from a few roofing contractors, but these quotes far exceeded their budget, and this posed a significant challenge to occupy the building.
A regular Haven donor had mentioned to Ms. Khaloo that there was a charitable foundation whose mission it was to provide roofing services to individuals or organizations that are unable to fund roofing construction on their own. When she researched the OIRCA’s Rooftop Rescue Charitable Foundation, she couldn’t believe that such a specialized aid organization existed. “For me it was like the heavens parted and Rooftop Rescue could possibly come to our, well rescue”, Ms. Khaloo proclaimed.
Haven on the Queensway is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those in need by providing food, clothing, and other essential resources including Haven helping Seniors, and First Care for new parents, each tailored to address different aspects of poverty and homelessness.
Don Marks, Executive Director of OIRCA’s Rooftop Rescue, had advised Haven that they typically deal with in-kind donations of labour and materials only and did not provide funding. He also told them that the project was considerably larger than they would normally get involved with.
Marks consulted with the Foundation’s Board of Directors and the conclusion was that the scope of this roofing need was just too great for their participation. The opportunity to support the Haven also reached the Association’s Board of Directors at their March meeting. Board member Mr. Mark Agius, Senior Vice President Eastern Canada for OIRCA member Flynn Canada indicated that he may be interested in the opportunity.
“After seeing all the programs that the Haven offers, along with the support and commitment staff and volunteers have there, I felt compelled to contribute by providing Haven with a new roof over their new facility in Etobicoke,” said Agius. He went on to say, “Haven is truly an exceptional non-profit organization that is making a difference in our community. Their roof was in very bad shape, and we were honoured to replace it”.
Finding labour was only one piece of the puzzle though albeit a large one. Roofing materials or a roof system was needed. Flynn had proposed a hybrid 2-ply modified bitumen built-up roofing system including polyiso roof insulation, coverboard and vapour retarder.
Mr. Doug Brown, President of OIRCA Associate Member Peridot Supply Inc. has always been a good friend of the OIRCA having served on its Board of Directors for several years and currently is a member of the Rooftop Rescue Board of Directors. When he got wind of the Haven project, he was all in.
When asked why he waxed quite eloquently by saying, “We’ve heard it said many times, that whenever the opportunity arises that you can “pay it forward” …then it is our responsibility to do so. With this project, “Haven on the Queensway” we are not only helping a nonprofit organization but helping an organization that “pays it forward” to people in need consistently and on a daily basis, which is very rewarding. And as such, in conjunction with Flynn Roofing and the OIRCA’s Rooftop Rescue team, Peridot Supply is very proud and thankful to have been able to do so.”
“Turn around time for this Rooftop Rescue project was very fast, one of the quickest we have been involved with”, remarked Mr. Marks. “Once all the negotiations were complete Flynn was able to mobilize very quickly, and Peridot’s speedy delivery of materials allowed the work to be completed in less than a week.”, he said.
Ms. Khaloo was particularly pleased with how quickly the work got done so that they could continue interior renovations and meet the official opening date of their new facility. She commented, “To those who come through our doors, we have always offered an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and security as we help clients on their way to self sufficiency. Haven has become a trusted resource in our community, thanks to the dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters such as the Rooftop Rescue and their partners Flynn Canada and Peridot Supply. Our new larger and more modern facility will allow us to better provide relief to people in crisis situations”
Flynn Canada Re-Roofing Crew
