After retiring and moving to Suncadia in Roslyn, Brian and Renay noticed large amounts of valuable wood being discarded at local construction sites. Rummaging through bins together, they would often look at the wood and wonder why it was being thrown away. With a background in woodworking, they decided to do something about it.
It was relatively easy to take the salvaged wood and create something useful from it, and that idea grew into making items such as coffee tables and Adirondack chairs that could help support Habitat SKKC. They had previously connected with Habitat staff at the Suncadia owners’ picnic. From there, they started working on the construction sites with the volunteer group Shock and Aww. While volunteering with Habitat, they developed many friendships with fellow volunteers, construction supervisors, and new homeowners.
Using the funds raised from their woodworking felt like a natural next step in their support of Habitat’s mission. They began taking their creations to markets, where donations for the items raised funds for Habitat.
Over the years, they created a significant number of pieces. While production has slowed considerably because construction activity in the area has decreased and the supply of suitable wood is not what it once was, Brian estimates that he still produces about 20 pieces a year. During the years when high-quality wood was more plentiful, he made dozens of Adirondack chairs annually. In one particularly successful year, their efforts raised about $12,000 for Habitat. Altogether, they estimate that they have built close to 200 Adirondack chairs.
Brian describes the inspiration behind their work as “Providence.” After retiring, he found himself with time on his hands, surrounded by wood that was being wasted. He disliked seeing useful materials thrown away and recognized an opportunity to support a mission he believed in. Briand and Renay started a drop site in the Suncadia Waste Yard in 2016 and have been managing it ever since. Every evening, they go out to the waste yard and pull usable lumber out of the dumpsters and place it on the drop site. For the couple, their efforts serve multiple purposes: It keeps discarded construction materials out of the waste stream, transforms those materials into something useful and enjoyable for others, and the funds raised from their creations support Habitat SKKC at the same time.
Reflecting on how they fit volunteering into their lives, Brian says, “We have time. And we like to spend it on activities with purpose and positive results.”
As the availability of suitable wood continues to decline, they acknowledge that they are gradually winding down their output. Even so, they remain grateful for the experience. Supporting Habitat has given them purpose and a feeling that they are contributing positively to their community.