LOCAL ELECTRICIANS HELP BUILD HOME FOR POPULAR TV SHOW
South Burlington, Vt. – (Sept. 11, 2007) – Electricians from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 volunteered their time and talent at last weekend’s southern Vermont groundbreaking by a hit reality television show.
Saturday straight through Sunday evening, members of the union from Sherwin Electric and Central Vermont Public Service journeyed to Athens, Vt., to volunteer for ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The award-winning program is in the small Windham County town all this week refurbishing the home of the Vitale Family. IBEW electricians worked hand-in-hand with a crew led by Brandon-based general contractor the McKernon Group.
“We interacted very well with the whole team down there,” said Sherwin Electric’s Marcel Cote. “It was impressive to see the amount of work that goes into a project like this. Without a doubt, our folks were honored to assist a Vermont family in need.”
Sarah and Lou Vitale have two young sons, Kane and Louie Angelo Jr. Louie was diagnosed with multiple birth defects, including Arthogryposis, club feet, and skeletal displasia. Their home's weak foundation was in immediate danger of collapsing. On stormy days, flooded hallways made the residence virtually impassable for emergency medical technicians.
“The IBEW is all about helping people improve their lives. Given that commitment, it was a no-brainer for us to get involved with this touching project,” said Local 300 Business Manager George Clain. “Hopefully, the Vitales will now rest easier knowing their family resides in a safe, handicap accessible home. Our organization was thrilled to play a role in that.”
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is broadcast every Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC. Hosted by popular television personality Ty Pennington, the show travels the country rebuilding homes of deserving families. The Vitale effort will air during the 2007-2008 season.