Nanaimo family benefits from window of opportunity by local company.
For some, new windows are an expensive investment for a home, but for one Nanaimo family, a new set of windows is an investment far beyond financial. On June 23, the Dutchak family was surprised when Centra Windows revealed they would be replacing their worn-down windows with a brand new set, valued at $15,000 - absolutely free of charge. The local company ran a province-wide contest to reward one family in need with a house full of new windows. Yet after receiving over 220 entries, Centra was so moved by the stories they chose three deserving families; one from Maple Ridge, Kelowna and Nanaimo. Nanaimo resident, Sandra Dutchak, lost both her in-laws and husband in the same year, leaving her to care for her three children alone. The estate was passed down to her son, Spencer Dutchak, who used his trust to purchase a family home when he legally came of age. Although the Dutchaks were able to put a downpayment on a home, it was in need of repairs. Yet, with Sandra working only part-time jobs, the family couldn’t afford to replace their outdated windows and were stuck wondering about the safety of their new home. When she heard about the contest, Sandra nominated her son, noting how hardworking and optimistic he remained throughout their troubles, because to Sandra, it was more than just renovations. “For some people this might just be windows, but for me it’s an investment in my son and our future as a family,” Dutchak said on the day of the reveal. Centra Spokeswoman, Lana Gordin said Centra’s mission is to invest in the people and communities where they work and live. “We know the housing market is expensive enough for most British Columbians and extras, like home renovations and upgrades, is likely at the end of a to-do list,” she said. “This is a gift back to our community from all of Centra’s employee owners who volunteered to donate their time in order to help these families.” Centra began as a small construction firm in 1984 and has since grown to become a leading window manufacturer, energy retrofit and restoration specialist in British Columbia. The company supplies and installs windows, doors and siding with a strong commitment to customer service and warranty guarantees. The company has showrooms on Vancouver Island in Victoria and Nanaimo.