Twyla Project still looking for help

In our Nov. 20 issue, Twyla Gendron shared a bit of her story. The Cliffside resident has suffered a number of setbacks over the past few years; shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and before she had completed her treatment, her husband, Larry McCabe, succumbed to late-diagnosed cancer. At that time, a group of dedicated friends pooled their resources, and raised the money to pay her mortgage for a year.

Now, that group has rallied again, to help raise money to build a basement apartment in her house, which would provide enough income that she would be able to continue living in the last home she shared with her late husband. In the meantime, Gendron has now found a steady job, which has allowed her to move on from the labour-intensive and part-time gardening work she had been doing.

The good news is, donations have been steadily flowing in through the Twyla Project website and letters drafted by Gendron’s friends Heather Healey and Janice Dunk. Some of the preparatory work has already begun, and a local architect has donated his time to draft up plans for the basement suite. A good amount of labour and materials for the project have also been donated. So far, over $17,000 has been raised.

However, the total cost of the project is estimated at around $50,000, well above the amount that has been raised so far. Anyone able to help out can make a donation at any CIBC branch to trust account number 00732-78-85334. That account will be closed out at the end of December; however, donations can still be made via credit cards through paypal, or by cheque. For details on how to donate or background information, visit twylaproject.wordpress.com; to read Gendron’s story, see Community rallies behind friend in need.

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