PRESS RELEASE
Kelly M. Johnson, Director of Marketing
(989) 615-6063
16. September 2015
Release date: Immediate
Volunteers prepare to build and install mobility ramps through 10th Annual Project Independence Blitz Build
More than 120 labor, engineer and community volunteers will unite together on Saturday, September 19 to assemble mobility ramp modules at seven houses through United Way of Saginaw County’s 10th Annual Project Independence Blitz Build.
Organized by United Way of Saginaw County Labor Liaison, Steven Lamb, the mobility ramps are donated, free of charge, to individuals thanks to grants and partnerships throughout the community. The mobility ramps allow disabled residents the ability to safely enter and exit their homes.
“Before this ramp, I would physically have to pick my wife up and carry her down our flight of stairs, every time she had a doctor’s appointment. It was such a difficult process that she never wanted to leave. Now with this ramp, both she and I have regained our independence back,” said Fred N. a past ramp recipient.
All labor to build and install the ramps is provided through the following: Nexteer Automotive engineer department, IBEW Local 557, Ironworkers Local Union 25, Carpenters Local 706, Home Depotand United Auto Workers Locals 699, 668, 467 and 455.Local vendors provide food for the volunteers.Other key partners include SVRC Industries, Inc. and Youth Protection Council.
“This is truly an amazing, much needed program. Thanks to the dedicated partners, funders, supporters and volunteers, we are able to unite together, to give community members their freedom,” said United Way of Saginaw County Labor Liaison, Steven Lamb.
In addition to the seven ramps being assembled during Saturday’s Blitz Build, two additional ramps were assembled earlier in the week. On Tuesday, September 15, Saginaw Spirit players, coaches and staff worked with volunteers at a home in Bridgeport. On Friday, September 18, employees from Spence Brothers will be volunteering at a build located in the City of Saginaw.
Project Independence is in its 10thyear of making a positive impact in the community and after Saturday, will have helped more than 110 individuals and families.
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Media representatives are encouraged to visit two of the sites of interest: 3640 S. Airport Road, Bridgeport or 560 Sherman Road, Saginaw. Volunteers will be working from 9 a.m. to 12p.m.