What would you do if you were getting older, living on a tight income, raising four grandsons, and desperately needing a new roof? Probably the same thing Jeanette MacDonald did…hope for the best. She was determined to find a solution herself, starting with applying for a grant.
Trickery at its finest.
Over several months, Jeremy Locke, who owns a construction and roofing company, drove by Jeanette’s house. Each time, he noticed the roof was deteriorating more and more. To him, it looked as though someone had done some partial work but for whatever reason, they never came back to finish the project.
As a kind-hearted individual who loves serving his community of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, he’d had enough. So, he approached Jeanette, offering to make the necessary repairs free of charge. As Locke stated, “I had it in my mind that if no one steps up to help this lady in our community, I’d be more than happy to.”
Locke received a surprising answer.
Considering the condition of the woman’s roof, he felt certain she’d take him up on his offer. But, she didn’t. What Jeanette shared is that once she receives the grant applied for, she’d contact him. Unfortunately, approval for the government’s assistance never came.
Jeanette is a proud and independent woman.
Living with four grandsons, ranging in age from 13 to 20, and being extremely independent, her reaction was, “I don’t like people doing anything for me for nothing.” And she meant it. Knowing how desperate the roofing situation was becoming, Locke came up with an innovative plan. He contacted Jeanette to advise her that she’d just won a free roof.
Locke said, “Businesses often run raffles and draws for free items so I told Jeanette that our company was going to have a raffle, or a draw, for a free roof.” What did she do? She bought a ticket of course, although it was the only one sold.
Winning the big prize.
The cost of a new roof isn’t cheap but to Locke, fixing her home was far more important than money. As expected, Jeanette learned she’d won the new roof. Within days of receiving the good news, all the materials arrived along with four of the company’s employees who were more than eager to donate their time. As the job got underway, Locke explained, “Our whole crew is excited.”
Locke had an immediate connection with Jeanette.
Even though Locke had only started his construction and roofing company one year earlier, after meeting Jeanette, she reminded him a lot of his grandmother. Since Locke was raised by his grandma and seeing Jeanette do the same for her grandsons, he knew he couldn’t just sit by and watch things go from bad to worse.
There are no words to express her gratitude.
Jeanette estimates the free work cost Locke around $9,000…now, that’s a gift. She calls him her guardian angel and says, “I’m telling you. There’s nobody out there like him.” With a little ingenuity, Locke was able to trick Jeanette into accepting his kindness — no strings attached.
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Sources: Good News Network, CBC.ca
