FUND-A-NEED

Thanks to our generous Fund-A-Need benefactors in 2025, we were able to complete the first phase of renovations to the basement/parish hall in the Flora Ave school building.

This year's Fund-A-Need will go towards Phase 2!

Phase 1:

Phase 1 Completed :

Overhaul of men's restroom, including adding natural light, improved ventilation, and new tile with durable metal edging, new fixtures, new durable wood-look partitions.
Enlargement of women’s restroom, including a more private entrance, cleaning storage, improved ventilation, an additional toilet, new fixtures, new durable wood-look partitions, and new tile with durable metal edging.
Increase of parish hall usable area by ~200 sq. ft.
Installation of St. Vincent's History and Centenary Information Boards
Test replacement of exterior wood-and-drywall walls with plaster over the foundation walls or concrete block/brick half-walls to control moisture.

Phase 2:

Future work will begin during Summer 2026, and proceed as funds and manpower are available. Certain portions of the work will be completed during Summer 2026, and other items which do not interfere with school operations will proceed after school returns to session:

Completion of the exterior drywall and wood panel exterior wall, and return to the original plaster wall, or where not possible, replace with materials less prone to moisture problems.
Remove large round metal HVAC ducts to return to original ceiling height
Replace central (noisy) HVAC unit with multiple ceiling-mounted ductless HVAC units to improve cooling and heating efficiency.
Removal or rerouting of electrical conduit, data wires, and plumbing pipes from interior area of room to improve ceiling height and aesthetics
Additional storage for the kitchen in the rear hallway
Addition of modern acoustic ceiling tiles (wood slat or similar) within recessed ceiling areas
Reconfiguration of storage space to create cleaning closet, chair and table storage, and allow access to hall through rear door (improving bathroom access from the church during ceremonies)
Moving kitchenette nearer to new bathrooms with improved and more durable fixtures and cabinets.
Encase concrete beams in wood, or similar finish to improve aesthetics
Replacement of vinyl-tile floor with durable, level surface (we are exploring various options at present such as polished concrete, or epoxy-based terrazzo)