Requesting financial contributions
URBAINVILLE – Sept. 7, 2014 – The 1,200-square-foot expansion at the Evangeline Funeral Co-operative in Urbainville is progressing quite nicely. In fact, Wellington Construction, the contractor responsible for the project, expects to be able to complete the project by early October.
Since the co-op’s annual meeting in April, when members approved the expansion, management learned that it would have to make a few changes to the plans that had been presented to members. In order to conform with construction codes and regulations involved in renovating an existing structure, additional work and expenses were required and the board adapted the plans accordingly.
The Co-operative’s board of directors is very appreciative of the $114,000 raised to date through donations from businesses, organizations and individuals as well as through member contributions. However, the expansion costs, now estimated at $180,000, will not be fully covered by the amount raised so far. The board is therefore seeking the community’s continued support.
For several years now, there have been requests by both the community and the members for this expansion since they found that the funeral home was often too small to accommodate wakes with a large attendance, explains president Lisa Arsenault. Long waiting lines often extended outside, which was of course inconvenient.
The expansion includes a new visitation room, constructed on the left rear side of the building. The existing visitation room, which has also been expanded, will now serve as a waiting room. People will no longer be waiting outdoors. The efficiency of the building’s heating and air conditioning systems will also be much improved.
The expansion will also make the funeral home big enough to host funeral services or memorial services. Arsenault reminds the public that the Evangeline Funeral Co-operative offers it services to both members and non-members, regardless of their religious denomination or beliefs.
Donations for the construction project can be dropped off directly at the funeral home or at the Evangeline-Central Credit Union in Wellington.
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CUTLINE: Wellington Construction co-owner David Arsenault accepts a first payment from Adrien Arsenault, manager of Evangeline Funeral Co-op, for the funeral home’s 1,200-square-foot expansion that will be completed in early October.
For more information:
Evangeline Funeral Co-op
(902) 854-2828