UPDATE: Fort McMurray contractor who lost everything receives support from DeWalt

Mariano Guillen’s story published on-line last week struck chords of sympathy with our readers, most particularly with the manufacturers of DeWalt tools. We are happy to report that through the generosity of Stanley Black & Decker Canada, many of the tools Mariano lost in the fire have been replaced with new DeWalt products. As a result Mariano can not only begin to help customers and neighbors in Fort McMurray rebuild their homes but also rebuild his business and provide for his family.

A very happy Mariano Guillen (l) with his new DeWalt tools, presented by David Veileux (r), branch manager for the DEWALT Service Centre in Edmonton

Greg Weston, Director of Marketing of Stanley Black & Decker Canada (Global Tools and Storage Division) admitted to Canadian Contractor that he was moved by Marino’s particular situation. “To hear the story of a young man who has come to this country to start a new life and then had this happen, that really struck me on a personal level. We had an immediate and heartfelt reaction.”

While the company’s outreach is potentially life-changing for Mariano, Weston himself remains modest. “Our ability to do something for Mariano is relatively small, but it gets him back up and running so he can do his part rebuilding his community; we’re more than happy to do it.”

At the same time, Weston realises that there will be many other contractors in Fort McMurray with challenges ahead. He advised Canadian Contractor that the company “has been formulating plans in cooperation with various agencies to assist local contractors get back on their feet, and to find out how we as a corporation could assist in the rebuilding of Fort McMurray over the next several months.”

Grants are good, but nothing beats direct support
In fact, in a release the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and Economic Developers Alberta (EDA), with financial support from the Canadian Red Cross, announced they will be providing $1000 grants to small businesses that meet eligibility criteria.

However, applications and grants take time. For Mariano Guillen, the support provided directly by Stanley Black & Decker Canada is much more significant since it is both immediate and focused on what he needs to re-build his livelihood. “I am very excited. I wasn’t expecting this. I have work already lined up and I’m ready to start! I really want to thank the company for making this happen for me. I thought I would have to build up my life again from nothing, you know?”

follow John on Twitter 

@john_bleasby