From Salvation Army red kettle campaigns to Christmas toy drives, there is no shortage of giving back this time of year. Plumbers have a unique way they can do so that is not available to others — donating their expertise.
Earlier this month, Phillips Plumbing Company of Winter Haven, Florida, provided 78-year-old Billie Sure Ewing a full repipe free of charge, a service typically costing $3,000 to $5,000. The home badly needed the work, as Ewing had been dealing with leaking pipes and toting water out of her home in buckets. Living off $800 a month, she had been putting off the repairs. Phillips Plumbing refitted the home with new water pipes, a new water heater, and sink and shower fixtures. It was part of the company’s Helping Hands for the Holidays program, and Ewing was chosen from among 35 applicants. Two of her granddaughters had nominated her.
“Our company prides itself on integrity and customer service,” office manager Courtney Johnston told The Ledger. “We want people to know that we are here for the community that has been here for us since 1973.”
The company is planning to continue the program and is already accepting applications for next year.
In York, England, plumber Kevin Wilson is making himself available Christmas Day for anyone with boiler problems. All they need to do for his services is make a suggested donation of 30 pounds to Myeloma UK. According to a report by Minster FM News, Wilson lost his mother to the rare cancer earlier this year.
“I’m trying to raise funds to support ongoing research into this dreadful disease,” he told Minster FM News. “So, in return for my services on Christmas Day, I’d like people to make a voluntary donation to Myeloma UK, an incredibly important charity. I could do a charity fun run or something like that, but repairing gas boilers is what I do best and if I can offer help to people in need on this special day all the better. You’d be hard pushed to get a same-day callout for a boiler breakdown at any time of year, there’s virtually no chance on Christmas Day — until now that is. I’ve no idea how many boilers will break down on Christmas Day, but my guess is there will be plenty. I am preparing myself for a busy day.”
Do you or your company do anything special this time of year to give back to the community? Comment below.
