CertainTeed honours Fort McMurray “Rebuild Heroes”

The following is a press release from CertainTeed…

Fort McMurray, Alberta (Dec. 13, 2017) After calling on Wood Buffalo residents to share stories of their Rebuild Heroes, CertainTeed is revealing its five honourees. Canada’s innovative drywall leader is recognizing those working in the construction industry who are working at full capacity to get their family, friends and neighbours back into their repaired and rebuilt homes as quickly as possible.

“It is an honour to recognize the resilience and fortitude of Fort McMurray and their rebuild heroes, after the terrible impact of the wildfires of May 2016,” said Wayne Edgecombe, Vice President Sales, CertainTeed IPG Canada. “During our visit to Fort McMurray we were humbled and in awe listening to people’s stories and the strength of the community. It has been an incredible experience to support the community spirit.”

Rebuild Hero Claude Bureau has worked in Fort McMurray for over 30 years and has become an established member of the community. Like many residents Claude experienced the devastation of the fire of first hand. Despite losing one of his own homes and much of his equipment, Claude has worked tirelessly to get friends, neighbours and community members back in their homes before beginning the rebuild on his own. Claude will be donating his $2,000 between The Hub Family Resource Centre the comprehensive family services provider in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo & Waypoints, a social profit organization working to end domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse and homelessness in our region.

Cody Birchall at the ceremony honouring the Fort McMurray “Rebuild Heroes”

Rebuild Hero Cody Burchell brought the spirit of Christmas back to Fort McMurray for one Beacon Hill family eager to get back in their home in time for the holidays. Cody worked long hours and went above the call of duty to provide all the finishing touches including a real fully decorated Christmas tree. CertainTeed will be donating $2,000 to Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo on Cody’s behalf. Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers and Habitat help build and rehabilitate safe, decent and affordable homes.

Rebuild Hero Alfred Hoffman donated his time and resources to the community church by replacing items that had been damaged in the fire. CertainTeed will be donating $2,000 to Canadian Mental Health Association, Wood Buffalo on Alfred’s behalf.

Earlier this year, CertainTeed increased its drywall production capacity at several facilities in Western Canada, creating over 50 new jobs, to ensure local supply for the building material needs of the Western Canadian construction industry and to ensure that there would be an adequate supply of drywall for Fort McMurray construction. While drywall was the key product focus, the company is also prepared to support with insulation and ceilings should the need arise.

“When our team decided to do something to recognize those on the frontlines of the rebuild, we engaged with numerous local contacts to start pulling this program together,” added Edgecombe. “We’ve engaged key local partners such as Kenroc and FBM – both which have strong local distribution that is key to getting our products to local contractors. We’ve had such a positive response with several people donating their time because they share our desire to celebrate all those that are making this re-build a reality.”

Rebuild Hero David McLeod, moved his business and young family from Calgary when they heard of Fort McMurray’s plight. He started his business with wife Miranda, 3D Elevations doing insulation, removal and replacement as well as drywall. They started a new life with their family helping in the process of rebuilding and restoring homes. David will be donating his $2,000 to Waypoints.

Shawn Chaulk receiving his $2,000 cheque as a CertainTeed Fort MacMurray “Rebuild Hero.” He donated the money to the local SPCA.

Local man Shawn Chaulk was selected as a Fort McMurray’s Rebuild Hero. Shawn has spent a lot of time, energy and resources supporting the elders in the community and making sure they all had a home to go to. Upon hearing the story of a woman recently widowed, Shawn promised to rebuild her home to its former glory, no matter what the insurance had allowed. Shawn will be donating his $2,000 to Fort McMurray Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In early October, CertainTeed announced its search for Fort McMurray’s Rebuild Hero in an effort to recognize the determination and dedication of those on the front lines of the rebuild. Over a two day tour the CertainTeed team visited local partners and construction job sites to announce the contest and to honour all those who are working so hard to rebuild the city.

Since 1929, CertainTeed has maintained a strong commitment to Canada, and is the only manufacturer to have kept its six Western Canadian manufacturing plants and mining operations open. As Canada’s only remaining manufacturer of drywall in Western Canada, CertainTeed has hired additional staff and increased production at its western facilities in order to meet demand for its drywall product. Demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in people, innovation and customers. CertainTeed Gypsum Canada has plants in Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg, and at two gypsum quarries in B.C. and Manitoba.C