St. Louis, Mo. (October 8, 2012) – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 members in St. Louis are dedicated to making their community as strong as the projects they build. That’s why they donate thousands of hours to a wide variety of charitable projects.
That’s also why, in the summer of 2012, when Animal House, an independent, nonprofit rescue organization that provides care for approximately 200 stray cats, asked for help with a much needed HVAC system in their new facility, Local 36 and its signatory contractor C&R Mechanical, stepped in with assistance.
Located at 2151 59th Street in the City of St. Louis, the new Animal House replaced a warehouse that had been serving the volunteer organization’s needs since 2010, when the City shuttered its decrepit animal control facility and Animal House scrambled to find someplace to house the homeless animals. It was not an ideal setting. It had no windows, was located in an industrial location and was stark without an “inviting” atmosphere.
Over the course of two years, the group raised funds so that it could move to a better location and provide a more welcoming feel that would be more conducive for adoptions. When it came to time for sheet metal and mechanical work associated with the all-important HVAC system, Animal House volunteer and project coordinator Ed Throop contacted C&R Mechanical Chairman/CEO George Edinger, Local 36 Business Representative Steve Kraemer and Local 36 Journeyman Aaron Fiorino about the project.
C&R Mechanical engineered drawings so that Animal House could obtain a building permit, allowed the use of a company boom truck and provided fabricated sheet metal duct materials and tools. Local 36 journeymen Mike Henfling, Frank Hauler, Andy Prichard and Carl Spalinger donated more than 20 hours of their time to fabricate the duct and supplies. Local 36 journeymen Doug Lee, Rick Sexauer, Kevin Wagoner and Aaron Fiorino donated 20 hours of their time for field installation.
“We are so grateful for the generous contributions made by C&R Mechanical and the Local 36,” said Throop. “Their donations of materials, labor, guidance and professional services have enabled us to improve the physical environment for our animals, dramatically upgrade the experience that will occur when people visit us, and hopefully help us to place more animals in loving homes.”
“Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 makes community involvement one of our highest priorities,” said David C. Zimmermann, president and business manager of Local 36. “We are proud to partner with organizations such as Animal House that provide such valuable services for area residents and animals in need.”
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