I want to offer a big shoutout to Red Dog Fabrication of Ridgefield for the work, coordination and community spirit that went into providing much-needed awnings for the North County Community Food Bank (NCCFB) in Battle Ground.
The project began when Patrick Kiely, owner of Red Dog Fabrication, was approached with the idea that new awnings were needed at the food bank. The existing units were in very poor condition, with missing slats and little protection from the weather. Volunteers serving clients along the streetside were exposed to the rain as soon as the doors were opened. New awnings were clearly needed.
Red Dog Fabrication stepped up in a big way. Not only did they volunteer to fabricate the new awnings, but they also reached out to their contacts to secure donated materials, engineering and design assistance, transportation, installation and all the other pieces necessary to complete the project.
And the best part? The entire project was completed at no cost to the NCCFB.
Candice Kiely was instrumental in bird-dogging the project from design through installation, coordinating all the various pieces and people needed to make a project like this come together. When every aspect of a project is being donated, it takes even more coordination, communication and followup to keep everything moving.
This project was initially identified and suggested by the Battle Ground Lions Club, and we are extremely grateful to Red Dog Fabrication and everyone else in our community who stepped up to help fill this important need.
It is a great example of what can happen when a community identifies a need and comes together to do something about it.
Photos of the installation can be found on Facebook. If you're in the neighborhood, drive by the food bank and take a look at the new awnings. They are a great addition and will make a real difference for the volunteers and clients of the NCCFB.
Thank you, Red Dog Fabrication, Patrick and Candice Kiely, and everyone who contributed to making this project happen!
Ken Steinke
Former president of Battle Ground Lions Club
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