Handyman handy at brightening shelter
0 Comments | Winnipeg Free Press, Apr 26, 2010 | by Madden, Erin
He came looking to get experience as a power engineer, working on the power plant at Ikwe-Widdjitiwin, a crisis shelter for abused women and their children. Instead he got a life lesson he never anticipated.
Now, Burke Okrainec happily gives his time as a volunteer at the busy shelter. Once each week he serves as the facility’s handyman, doing electrical and plumbing repairs and performing maintenance.
Okrainec said after seeing and meeting the children who temporarily reside at the aboriginal crisis shelter, he simply had to get involved.
“It really was a wake-up call,” said Okrainec. “A lot of people will be concerned about what is happening in Africa and all these other places, but two miles up the road you have people who don’t have a roof over their head or aren’t getting three square meals a day. We should take care of our own first, I think.”
Which is why he does what he does.
“I’m here now for the kids,” said Okrainec. “They’re going through a terrible time. You see the abuse and you have to do something, poor little guys.”
He said the time he spends at the shelter is enjoyable, and he always has a steady supply of helpers. Children follow Okrainec around as he makes repairs, helping him with his tools.
“When I’m here on weekends, I have helpers everywhere,” said Okrainec, father to a seven-year-old daughter, who also helps by sourcing supplies needed for repairs at the cheapest possible prices. “They’re following me around, handing me tools. A lot of them have never seen a screwdriver before so you have to explain it and show it