Photo: Bob shares a quick smile with Daphne Crowther, L’Arche Comox Valley Chairperson and a member of The Anchorage project development team.
After almost 50 years in the business, Bob Rasmus is still using his construction expertise to build things that he believes in. And as a L’Arche friend and volunteer, he contributes his time not only to L’Arche community activities but The Anchorage – L’Arche Comox Valley’s next housing development for people with developmental disabilities (core people) who can live independently with some support.
Starting at the Drafting Table
Back in 1966 Bob started out as a draftsperson, though he soon found he enjoyed being out in the field more. He also discovered that he loved building homes. In fact, he loved it so much that once Bob had a whole lot of experience in his toolbox, he and his wife Peggy decided to start their own construction business, RJR Construction.
“While it was an exciting time it was also pretty scary,” says Bob. Despite all the challenges, thanks to Bob’s construction knowledge, Peggy’s background in finance, the support of local trades, and a whole lot of sweat equity, the couple managed to grow a successful business, while also raising a family. And after operating for three decades, the couple decided to sell their business, though they continued to live, work and volunteer in the community that they love.
Bob was featured in a leading building magazine for homebuilders, contractors and renovators across Canada.
Bob and Nick at the spring Building with Bob workshop.
Getting to Know L’Arche
Bob has been supporting great causes for a long time. So, when he saw an ad in the Comox Valley Record for volunteers to help L’Arche core members tell their life story, he decided to get involved.
Once at L’Arche, Bob saw the opportunity to help fundraise, holding workshops where people assemble wood projects for home and garden. And with that – and the support of numerous volunteers – Bob had another success on his hands with ‘Building with Bob’, a workshop activity at the
I Belong Centre open to the public two to three times a year.
The Anchorage – A Solid Vision
A solid vision is important for any construction job – big or small. And Bob, who sits on The Anchorage Project Development Committee as the liaison on design and construction, explains how critical a vision is for any building project.
“If you’re not clear on your vision, the process will take a lot longer and the project will cost a lot more.” The sooner a team can firm up their ideas and their needs, the sooner it can start to have all the other discussions that need to happen.
Hollee Card is grateful for Bob’s involvement in The Anchorage. As L’Arche Comox Valley’s Community Leader and Executive Director, Hollee is focused on meeting core peoples’ housing and community needs in the most cost-effective way possible.
“Before we can even break ground,” says Hollee, “there’s an immense amount of discussion and decisions to be made. We’re fortunate to have Bob on our team. He has consulted on builds for other non-profits, and he understands the importance of getting the most quality and value out of each dollar we spend now and in the long run.”
Currently a committee of five has regular meetings about budget, design, building options and alternatives. They talk about everything from how the building will look to electrical and sprinkler systems, ways to build to save on operating costs and more.
Connecting with Stakeholders and Donors
Hollee, Bob, and the rest of the committee also know the importance of communication. “There is such an immense need for housing in the Valley,” says Hollee, “and limited funding. It’s important that the community – individuals, businesses, special interest groups and government – understand what we aim to achieve and how we’re carrying it out.”
So, while the committee continues to hammer out all The Anchorage’s physical details, committee members are also charged with communications.
Hollee and Bob listen to a community member’s ideas.
“We’re regularly meeting with organizations and individuals to talk about The Anchorage – explain, discuss, answer questions, talk about possibilities,” says Hollee. Committee members have met with municipal and provincial government representatives who have shown their support for the concept, and they have agreed to share it with their colleagues. Committee members were also on hand for a June Open House at the I Belong Centre where they talked with numerous residents, other community groups and showed people where the new housing development will be located.
But back to Bob. Between committee meetings, ‘Building with Bob’ workshops, other volunteer activities and his personal life, it was a little hard to catch up with Bob to ask one final question, “Why do you do all this?” Bob smiles and says without missing a beat, “Because it makes me feel good.” Now that’s a worthwhile investment.
