Many families are struggling to make ends meet with this year’s dramatic increase in living costs and interest rates. To ease the burden on one very special young family, O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville donated $15,000 worth of home maintenance and improvements.
What did we do?
As part of our annual Pay it Forward initiative, our O'Brien Rowville team facilitated a full service and repair of all utilities and appliances, and installed an efficient solar system, heat pump, split system, energy advisor and other energy efficient upgrades throughout the property.
Together, these enhancements will dramatically reduce the financial outgoings for The Basin home owner, Holly, and increase the value of her home.
In 2021, Holly tragically lost her husband months before the birth of their first child. Holly has overcome a lot of adversity in the past two years. Now, as a single mother she is struggling to contemplate how she will make ends meet with the continued increase in living costs.
What does this mean for Holly?
Holly commented, “The energy efficiency upgrades that O'Brien Rowville have made could not have come at a better time. Just last week I received a $1,000 electricity bill. I was too scared to turn my heater on.”
“The work this amazing team has done for me over the last few days will have a huge impact on being able to afford the bills and expenses that come with being a homeowner,” she said.
Over 30 volunteers from O'Brien Rowville gave up their Saturday to help Holly. Our team went above and beyond their electrical and plumbing commitments, giving Holly’s garden a full makeover including planting new trees donated by Fleming’s Nurseries.
A few words from our Director, Josh Butler:
Our Director, Josh Butler, was so proud of our team’s contribution and generosity.
“Over 30 of our staff attended on Saturday and everyone gave it their all – even in the rain,” Josh said. “As a locally owned and operated business, our community is hugely important to us. We always strive to give back where we can, and our Pay it Forward programme is one small way we can do this.”
“We are thrilled to help Holly create an energy efficient home that will improve its capital value and significantly reduce her cost of living,” said Josh.
Other donations:
In addition to the $15,000 worth of upgrades from the Rowville business, O'Brien Glass installed a $10,000 premium window tint to improve the sustainability of Holly’s home by reducing heat, glare and sun damage.
Chris Leslie, Director for the O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Group said, “We are incredibly proud of the positive impact Josh and the team at Rowville are making in their local community. Holly and her young family are very worthy recipients of Rowville’s Pay it Forward Programme.
O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville’s giving back initiative coupled with a sustainable focus deeply aligns with our commitment to protect the environment for future generations to come.”
Hotwire Heating also donated a heated towel rail that the team installed in Holly’s main bathroom – a little luxury for The Basin homeowner.
David Buckland Carpentry generously installed timber flooring in Holly’s daughter’s bedroom.