Victoria-based non-profits work to enhance accessible recreation hub

A strong community foundation is building a sense of place for those who need it most. Power To Be and HeroWork, both Victoria-based non-profit organizations, announced today they will partner to reimagine Power To Be’s accessible recreation hub on Prospect Lake.

“This project is partnership personified. From a local family leasing the property to Power To Be for decades to come, to the work that Power To Be and HeroWork will do together – an opportunity like this doesn’t come around that often,” said Paul Latour, HeroWork Executive Director. “I am excited to help connect our community in a way that will bring meaningful impact to this organization which supports so many families and individuals in Victoria.”

The timing is right for Power To Be, which partnered with the Steele family in March of this year on a long-term lease of the former Prospect Lake Golf Course. Founded in 1998, the move allowed Power To Be to consolidate gear and programs in one location. Programs hosted onsite include kayaking, hiking, canoeing, and other activities for youth and families living with a physical, mental, social or financial barrier. The site also acts as a staging area for programs that bring participants to natural spaces throughout Vancouver Island and the Vancouver area.

“Our organizations share a common foundation of building on partnerships. We are honoured to add HeroWork to our community of more than 50 other partners who support and benefit from our accessible programs year-round,” said Dana Hutchings, Power To Be Director of Advancement and Communications. “We are able to do so much more together and we are so grateful for this opportunity. The work that will unfold in 2017 means Power To Be participants will have a space to call home for years to come.”

HeroWork relies on the dedicated efforts of volunteers and discounted or donated services from building professionals to complete its Radical Renovations. Work will be ongoing throughout 2017 after a full needs assessment of the site is completed to prioritize projects spanning from waterfront access to accessible trails and more.

About HeroWork

Established in 2010, HeroWork is a non-profit organization that helps other charities thrive by renewing and refreshing their physical infrastructure through events called Radical Renovations. Imagine a modern day barn-raising, where community comes together with massive cooperation and common vision. Money, resources, and people are leveraged to achieve exceptional transformations of charity buildings at a small fraction of traditional costs and time. To date, HeroWork has completed $1.75 million dollars’ worth of non-profit renovations within the CRD.

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