The best defence is a new fence.
When Jason Rose, owner of FenceMaster Fencing, heard about persistent problems with people vandalizing Langford resident Robert Wright’s fence, he originally planned to repair it as an act of kindness.
Once he saw the condition it was in, he decided that building a new fence would be the best option.
Wright, 85, has had problems for years with people damaging the fence on his Peatt Road property where he has lived for the past 20 years.
He said he wanted to thank everyone who has helped out.
“It means a lot to me,” said the Korean War veteran and self-described permanent bachelor. “It’s quite a task and something I could not have done at my age.”
Rose said he has been impressed by the outpouring of support, donations and assistance from the immediate community and beyond, that Wright’s story has generated.
Social media has played a major role in marshalling other outpourings of support for Wright, with people making donations and offering to assist after hearing about the situation through VictoriaBuzz on Facebook.
Offers have included installing a security camera system, as well as an eye test and new eyeglasses, among others.
More than $4,000 has even been raised through a Go Fund Me campaign.
Rose said his Langford-based company had a good year last year, and the new fence, which he estimated would cost $5,000, was his way of giving back.
“It’s my good deed for the year and I hope it makes a real difference for him,” Rose said while working on the fence with his crew last week.
FenceMaster employees Kyle Hamilton and Jordan Greene were happy to work for free on the fence.
“I feel fortunate to be able to be a part of this,” Hamilton said. Greene said he hopes the story will inspire other people to step up and help out in their community.
The new fence and landscaping was completed over the weekend and those who helped out took part in a reveal on Sunday.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com