Guelph organization helps non-profits and individuals with minor repairs and renovations

The Carpenter's Crew was formed in 2022 and is made up of retired and semi-retired contractors and tradesmen as a way to give back to the community.

A group is helping renovate homes and structures in Guelph and Wellington County, Ont., one nail at a time.

The Carpenter’s Crew is made up of 17 retired and semi-retired carpenters and tradesmen who get together to do projects in the community two to three times a month.

“Typically we do projects that can be done by three or four guys in one day,” co-founder David Hartman said.

The Carpenter’s Crew has done work with charities like Women in Crisis, Michael House and Stepping Stone. Hartman said they recently helped out at a Habitat for Humanity build in Fergus. They have also lent their services to families in need who couldn’t otherwise afford or be able to do upgrades.

Hartman and six others co-founded The Carpenter’s Crew in 2022 as a way to give back to the community. Hartman felt that there was something missing when he retired a few years ago.

“I figured you have all this time and do all the things you wanted to do,” he said. “But what you really miss is the camaraderie of doing things and being with other people.”

The group’s typical day involves getting together to discuss what projects they are doing that day over breakfast. The projects that The Carpenter’s Crew does include painting, assembling furniture, building an accessible ramp and more.

What they won’t do, however, is major electrical or plumbing work. Hartman said they are not in the business of competing with those who are licensed to do such work.