HeroWork is a charity that transforms other charities by renovating their buildings. They do this through large community events they call Radical Renovations. By mobilizing the community, hundreds of volunteers, businesses, donors, and in-kind sponsors, the result is a transformed building at a fraction of the typical time and cost. HeroWork’s goal is to renew and expand non-profit community infrastructure so charities can make a bigger impact, become more sustainable, better serve vulnerable populations, and lift up neighbourhoods where these important services are provided.
The Newly Renovated Indigenous Perspectives Society Building
HeroWork has achieved a transformation of the IPS building that reflects Indigenous values and engenders psychological safety for the important work that goes on here. HeroWork has also helped maximize use of available space to support program expansion with newly configured areas and incorporating culturally relevant design features. New skylights bring in more natural light. Operational efficiencies and sustainability have been improved with a redesigned interior layout, an addition of washrooms (including an accessible stall and gender-neutral stalls). Increased soundproofing also allows better focus of participants and staff. Our IPS board, staff and community are so grateful and excited to see this amazing project completed with HeroWork and their team of staff and volunteers. IPS expresses our deepest gratitude to HeroWork Victoria and to all the volunteers and donors that make their work possible.
Project Details at a Glance:
- Total number of volunteers: 456
- Total number of volunteer hours: 4,354
- Total project value: $628,000 (estimated fair market value for the renovation)
- Total savings for IPS: $326,000
Our HeroWork Radical Renovation Story at IPS
This incredible transformation began in Fall of 2021 and was marked by an opening ceremony: ‘On Saturday, October 1, 2021 we were honoured to have IPS friends and family members standing with us to officially launch the Radical Renovation project with HeroWork at the 664 Granderson site. IPS Executive Director, Rachelle Dallaire opened the ceremony. Songhees Elder, Knowledge Keeper, Artist, Educator and Lekwungen Language Speaker, Yuxwelupton (Butch Dick) offered a warm territorial welcome to all.’ KEEP READING
We had the opportunity to acknowledge our HeroWork project partners at the end of 2021: ‘On December 17, 2021 a very special ceremony was hosted at Indigenous Perspectives Society: Centre of Excellence in Community Education (IPS) to honor and celebrate our dear friends at HeroWork, our IPS leadership and staff. The event began with a smudging, a welcome to guests and an acknowledgement of the Lkwungen speaking territories and of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations on whose lands we were gratefully gathered. The ceremony was led by Elder Laurie MacDonald of the Enoch Cree Nation and IPS Executive Director, Rachelle Dallaire.’ KEEP READING
On March 12, 2022 we held a Community Reveal Event at IPS to invite our friends, family and circle members to join us in our new space. The day started with a welcome ceremony for a limited number of guests. Yuxwelupton (Butch Dick) warmly welcomed the group with his words and song. He acknowledged the importance of the training and education activities that are held at IPS. In particular, helping to raise awareness and understanding about about Residential Schools and Indigenous histories on these territories and across Canada. There were heartfelt speeches shared by Rachelle Dallaire, Paul Latour and Trevor Botkin. We enjoyed songs shared by the Aunty Collective and finally a red ribbon cutting ceremony! Tours of the building were then given in small groups. Many more visitors arrived throughout the afternoon and received a warm welcome, IPS gift bags and toured the radically renovated building. We extend our thanks to all those who came to visit on the day and we look forward to welcoming all our guests into the space in the future. And to our dear partners at HeroWork, we are deeply grateful for all your hard work, dedication and your support for the work that we do.
*We acknowledge and sincerely thank Don Craig, HeroWork volunteer and supporter for sharing the wonderful images that he captured on the day.
For more information about how to volunteer or donate to help with HeroWork’s next important project please CLICK HERE. Thank you!!
