Moncton Area Construction Firms Will Contribute $1-Million To ‘Build For The Future’
MONCTON – Ten companies in the construction industry are teaming up with United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick to raise $1-million over 10 years to help non-profit agencies and programs for at-risk youth.
Under the Build for the Future initiative, the group of companies led by LuMar Electric and Martell Custom Homes want to help local youth reach their full potential.
LuMar CEO and co-founder Mario LeBlanc said the plight of marginalized youth in Greater Moncton is something “heartbreaking and surprising.”
“Sometimes, we kind of forget because we’re in a small town. But big city things are happening in our small town,” he said.
He said starting the long-term initiative as a sector would create a larger impact than if the companies were to raise funds alone.
“I think you can do bigger and better things when you put minds together,” he said. “The 10 of us are going to be aiming for a bigger, larger goal, which should be a larger impact on the community.”
The idea to team up with United Way came from LeBlanc’s brother Marcel, who had been volunteering with the organization for some time. Marcel approached Mario and Pierre Martell of Martell Custom Homes with the idea for an industry-led fundraising.
“We were looking for ways to get more involved in our community, and we wanted to build our own thing that would feel closer to what we believe, and have some control over where the funds go, at least have a word,” said Mario. “So that’s how Build for the Future came about.”
Eight other companies joined LuMar and Martell Custom Homes as executive members of Build for the Future. They include Acadian Construction, Atlantic Windows, Fundy Pros, Elmwood Group Home Hardware, Premier Plumbing, Ritchie’s Flooring, Spitfire Designs, and TriForce Roofing.
Each of the companies has committed to raise $10,000 or more each year for up to 10 years.
They hope the financial commitment will help fund essential programming for youth, and build new programs, through United Way and their partner organizations.
That would include United Way’s YOU Turns program, and a new mentorship program for youth interested to learn more about opportunities in the construction industry.
“Construction is a big industry and it’s an important one in our economy,” Mario said. “So, I think we got to use that to out best potential to give the up and comers a better future.”
United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick CEO Debbie McInnis said her organization is thankful for the initiative.
“The pandemic has amplified the existing need in our community. This partnership will deliver critical resources to enable lasting change. This is inspiring work,” she said in a release.
Other members of the construction industry who want to donate money, time, or resources to support the initiative can sign up for an ambassador membership.
Inda Intiar is a reporter for Huddle. Send her story suggestions: [email protected]