Handymen build wheelchair ramp so woman can get outdoors

A group of handy men from the Knights of Columbus and members of the Carpenter's Union Local No. 971 helped set a Carson City woman free Saturday when they built a wheelchair ramp at her home.

Due to the construction design of the home, the wheelchair cannot be wheeled outside unless physically picked up and carried over the threshold of the doorway.

"Basically she was stuck in the home," said Rick Fambrini, grand knight of Council 4781. "All we want to do is let the lady get out and enjoy herself," Fambrini said.

The homebound Carson City woman asked not to be named.

The Knights of Columbus are financing the cost of materials and the Carpenter's Union is supplying the construction crew.

"This project started before Thanksgiving," said Fambrini.

"One of the ladies from the Ladies Guild notified me about this, then the holidays came along. But little by little all the pieces fell into place."

Knights member Mike Fox, a truss designer at BMCWest Building Materials Center off Johnson Lane, was able to get materials to build the ramp at a discount. Fox has been a member of the Knights for about three years.

"We're mainly using 2-by-4 and 2-by-2 pieces of Douglas fir - No. 1 or better," Fox said. "And some plywood."

He said the approximate cost of the materials is $500.

"To get this started, I sent out an e-mail to all of the members. One steelworker gave me Mike Britton's name, he's with the Carpenter's Union, and together we got all the details sketched out, what materials would be needed and so on and so forth.

"This is what the Knights are supposed to do. We have fund-raisers, then spend the money, not keep it."

Men from the Southwest Regional Carpenters Union Local No. 971 provided the labor for the project.

Britton, union representative, said three guys in addition to himself swung the hammers to get the job done.

"This is what helps build vibrant communities," Britton said. "The Carpenters Union has been here since 1902 and been doing this for the community since that time. We're always out there giving to those who are less fortunate in our community."

Britton said a ballpark figure for the donated labor is $2,000.

"We put in a solid eight hours," he said. "There are Davis Framing guys who are taking time out of their weekend to do this."

None of the carpenter workers are members of the Knights of Columbus.

"If all of us did this more often, helped the less fortunate in the community, more programs would profit from it," Britton said. "I enjoy getting out in the community like this."

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.