‘Keep Russell Blooming’
Russell Village Women’s Institute received a generous donation for their ‘Keep Russell Blooming’ program. From left are Diny Achtereekte, Mary Inglis, Ina Henry, Judi Hubbard and John Corvinelli. O’Donohue photo
2nd Russell Scouts
From left, Travis Laramee, and David Laramee stand with John Corvinelli.
O’Donohue photo
Michelle O’Donohue
Villager Contributor
RUSSELL – Crowds gathered at the Corvinelli Homes sales office on York Crossing in Russell on Wed., Dec. 20. The day was special for the company for two reasons. First, they were celebrating their holiday party, and invited all of their subcontractors for food and drinks, and secondly, they made cheque presentations to six local causes to help support the Russell area. Owner John Corvinelli repeated several times throughout the afternoon that the purpose of these donations is to keep the money local and help people in Russell.
Office administrator for Corvinelli Homes, Judi Hubbard explained that the donated money was raised through the company’s 2018 calendar. All subcontractors were invited to submit a business card and picture for inclusion in the calendar along with a donation of $150. Hubbard said this is an initiative the company has been doing for the last few years, and each year, new groups are chosen to be included in the distribution of funds.
Russell Challengers
The Russell Challengers, a group for children of all ages with special needs, organized weekly bowling games for its members during the winter. From left are John MacMillan, Lynne Rochon, Maddie MacMillan and Stacy Achtereekte with John Corvinelli.
O’Donohue photo
On Wed., Dec 20, $4,500 was split between six deserving causes: Russell Girl Guides ($500), 2nd Russell Scouts ($500), Friends for Life ($1,000), Russell Optimists ($500), Russell Challengers ($500), and Russell Village Women’s Institute (RVWI) ‘Keep Russell Blooming’ ($1,500). The donation to the RVWI is in support of the program responsible for planting, watering and maintaining the hanging baskets and flower planters throughout town. Scotiabank is also matching this $1,500 donation to RVWI. Representatives were on hand from each of the organizations to accept the cheques, and speak about the impact these donations will have for their group members, and the Russell community. In addition to the donations, subcontractors came to the party bearing non-perishable items for the local food bank.
The charitable acts will not stop here either, as 2018 will mark a big year for the Corvinelli Family. John Corvinelli along with his father Tony will be celebrating 50 years of the Corvinelli Family in construction. To commemorate this, Corvinelli Homes will be looking to do “50 good deeds in 2018,” said Hubbard. Corvinelli stressed as well that these donations are not just from him and his company, but rather a combined effort along with all of the subcontractors.
