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Fence fundraiser a first for Ann Davis

Chilliwack is being asked to help Ann Davis Transition Society build a new fence at the Transition House — section by section.
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Ann Davis Transition House manager Shelley Bolan (left) and executive director Patti MacAhonic stand beside the warped and rotting fence that needs to be replaced. ADTS is having a fundraiser to build a new fence for the property.

The fence around the Ann Davis Transition House is dilapidated and beyond repair.

So Chilliwack is being asked to help them build a new one — section by section.

The existing fence has been falling apart for a while and now needs to be replaced, says Ann Davis Transition Society executive director Patti MacAhonic.

"This fence provides safety for children playing in the yard and privacy for residents, which is very important for their overall safety," she said.

To pay for this item not covered in any other way in the budget, ADTS is launching a brand-new community fundraiser specifically for the fence.

They priced out the new fence already, which will cost about $12,000, and calculated they need 565 donations of $22.50 per board, or $112.50 per section to make it happen.

Transition house manager Shelley Bolan said it's only the second time in 20 years they've replaced the fence.

"So it's really time," she said. "It's a matter of safety and security."

The Transition House has 12 beds for anyone leaving a domestic violence situation, and they shelter about 200 clients per year, including children.

"In the past year, 95 per cent of the time, those 12 beds were full," said Bolan.

ADTS has been helping community members fleeing relationship violence with counselling, education and prevention for over 30 years.

One thing she's noticed is that the ADTS client is staying longer at the house, with three-week visits being typical, as opposed to 10 days, which it used to be.

To help build the fence, Chilliwack residents can purchase a section each with every donation of $112.50.

Donations are tax deductible, and eligible for a tax receipt to anyone providing a full name and address on the forms.

There's a special 'Donate Now' button on the website at www.anndavis.org Mark it for the "fence" fundraiser or hit the link under where it's marked 'We need your help for a new fence at our Transition House.'

"I think will truly become a community effort," said MacAhonic. "It's something everyone can feel a part of, from families, and individuals, to local businesses."

 



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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