Kamloops’ United Way is putting retired tradespeople back to work in a new program that helps seniors with repairs and odd jobs.

The program pairs retirees with seniors who need help around the house.

Kristi Rintoul, the United Way’s senior manager of community impact, said she got the idea from another community program that saw businesses and volunteers help non-profit organizations with tasks like painting, landscaping and construction.

“We came up with this great idea to engage specifically individuals who’d retired from trades in giving back to the community and still able to utilize their skills in doing so,” Rintoul told Daybreak Kamloop’s Jenifer Norwell.

Click here to sign-up and receive the Weekly Round Up in your inbox every Saturday

Frank Powers is one of the tradesmen who is volunteering his time after working for 30 years at a local copper mine.

As a natural handyman, Powers said he’s enjoying the work and the chance to meet more members of his community.

“Now that I’m retired I’ve always liked to do this kind of stuff and now I’ve been able to do it,” he said.

He helped Deveen Martin install a few ramps in her home to make the space more accessible for her and her dog, Dolly.

“It’s all about giving back to the community, because I worked for 30 years… so I never got involved.”

Keep reading on CBC News

 

Share YOUR News and Brand YOUR Business – Click here to order the media kit

Never miss the Construction Links Network news – Subscribe to the Weekly Round Up e-newsletter which will be delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Join over 8,000 professionals from the construction, building and design community and sign-up today!