The community of Morinville rallied together like never before over the last few months to collaborate on a new fundraising project for the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation.
Dozens of volunteers, trades people and local businesses donated their time, energy, talents and, in some cases, materials toward the construction of the first ever Sturgeon Hospital House at 100 Houle Drive. The recently built home will be unveiled to the public during an open house this weekend.
“This has been exciting and honestly, it’s been very overwhelming,” said Katrina Black, the executive director of the foundation. “The support that we’ve had to build this house ... it would not have been possible without all of the people that came forward.”
Unlike other charity homes, this house is not part of a raffle draw. It’s a straight-up house sale in one of Morinville’s newest neighbourhoods with all proceeds going to support the hospital foundation. Black has high hopes for the sale, with its potential to net $100,000 or more.
“That would be our largest event that we’ve had,” she said, adding the funding would go toward patient care and new equipment.
The six-month project was a partnership between Savenay Builders, RMK Homes and Servus Credit Union. Sturgeon Hospital House features more than 1,965 sq. ft. of open-concept space with an oversized garage, art niches, imported carved doors from Vietnam, a low-maintenance deck, en suite Jacuzzi with walk-in closet in the master bedroom, gas fireplace, and a 12-foot vaulted ceiling.
The one feature the home doesn’t have is a hot water tank. That’s because it doesn’t need one as water is heated on demand.
Don Robinson of Savenay Builders said all of the workers and suppliers put their best feet forward to prove their commitment to high quality workmanship.
“It was above average work. Most of them are from Morinville and they’re very proud of the project.”
The house is listed at $469,000 and has already received plenty of interest, said realtor Gordon Boddez.
This home is a pilot project for the foundation; the success could lead to the construction of up to five such houses throughout St. Albert, north Edmonton and Sturgeon County over the next several years.
The Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation is also getting ready to host another major event with its 18th annual Friend Raiser Gala to be held on Jan. 23, 2010.
Sturgeon Hospital House
Open house<br />Sat., Dec. 4 from 2 to 5 p.m.<br />Sun., Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.<br />100 Houle Drive (103 Ave and 107 St), Heritage Village Estates<br />Morinville
