There are hopes of putting an end to the drip, drip, drip.
That’s why Oceanview Estates has issued a challenge to other businesses in the region to match its donation of $1,000 towards roof repairs at Our Lady of Mercy Historic Church in Port au Port West.
Dale Merkel of Oceanview said The Building Depot in Stephenville has already matched that challenge.
He said that’s $2,000 raised of a total of $30,000 needed to complete the roof on Our Lady of Mercy Historic Church, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month.
Danny McCann of The Gravels Development Committee, which oversees Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church Restoration Fund, said contractors were on the roof of the church on Friday carrying out emergency work on a section.
“It was a little embarrassing having buckets out collecting water when we were having our 100th anniversary celebrations this past weekend,” he said. “But it also shows the urgency and need to have the roof done.”
McCann said about 75 per cent of the south side of the church was done a few years back and the remainder is in need of reroofing.
He said if businesses answer the challenge and they were able to reach the goal of $30,000 this fall, it would be ideal.
He said depending on if there are no more emergencies, they would wait until spring or early summer to get the job done so it would give them time to put tenders in place.
McCann fears that with leaks there may be more damage to the aged wood in the church, running into even more costs for repairs.
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