Dozens of volunteers were hard at work painting and pouring cement over the course of Friday and Saturday to give a deserving Chatham homeowner a helping hand.
Liz Huff was the lucky recipient for the Backyard Mission project, a joint venture by the First Presbyterian Church and First Christian Reform Church, where her home of 18 years received a number of outdoor repairs free of cost.
Huff’s wish of getting her front porch and garage painted was exceeded when all her outside walls received a fresh coat of white paint.
The 39 year-old mother of three also received a number of other completed outdoor projects including a fixed fence, a trimmed back garden, backyard landscaping, a new cement front step and even a newly built swing set.
Huff first heard about the project on the radio and thought it sounded like a great opportunity.
“I didn’t have the nerve to nominate myself, so I asked a friend of mine,” Huff said.
It took approximately three weeks for Huff to find out she had been selected.
“I’m extremely happy because I never in a million years thought I would get chosen,” Huff added.
Reverend Mike Maroney of the First Presbyterian Church said after reviewing all the requests received and factoring in the situation of the homeowner and the immensity of the repairs involved, they came to a decision.
“With a lot of people, we can get a lot done in two days,” said Maroney.
The idea for the project originated when Maroney and his wife Jodi participated in similar projects, travelling to the U.S.
Five years ago, Jodi decided they should start Backyard Mission where they lived, opening up the idea to their congregation. A year after beginning, a partnership was formed with First Christian Reform Church when they showed an interest to become involved.
Maroney says the annual event is a win-win situation for all parties involved.
“Everyone’s having a blast,” said Maroney.
“It’s also a rare opportunity to see something happen so quickly,” Maroney added.
Thanks to fundraising, the generosity of local businesses including Ross’ Nurserymen and Home Hardware on Keil Drive as well as the expertise of overseeing contractor Mark Labadie of Mark Labadie Construction, Huff and her family can enjoy their home for many years to come even if they can’t come to grasp with the repairs just yet.
“I’m just overwhelmed by it all. I can’t believe this,” said Huff.
