The southwestern Ontario based construction company at the heart of the ongoing Wellington Road reconstruction project in London has turned its attention to helping one of the organization’s directly impacted by the road work. J-AAAR Construction has announced a commitment of at least $150,000 for Ronald McDonald House, located at Base Line and Wellington roads, directly in front of the construction activity. Two of the company’s own employees have co-authored a children’s book with donations for the book going to the charity. “If you can inspire people to get excited about construction, especially, like along Wellington Road, we’re going to be fully supportive of that all day long,” quipped London Mayor Josh Morgan at Wednesday’s announcement for the partnership. The book, ‘Building Roads, Building Hope’ is a way to help children understand the giant machines and the construction activity happening along London’s southern gateway, and right in front of Ronald McDonald House. “My family was impacted by the Ronald McDonald House quite a bit when my sister was sick, said co-author and J-AAR employee Brad Lalich. “And in years after, my mom and dad were able to volunteer and gave back to an organization that gave so much to my family. And I’m just really grateful that years later I can contribute,” he added. “They’re going to learn about our partnership with Ronald McDonald House. And what it is an excavator does, or a dump-truck,” said co-author and J-AAR employee Nick Wilton. As part J-AAR’s campaign, members of the public can receive a copy of Building Roads, Building Hope with a minimum $25 donation, with all proceeds supporting Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. “J-AAR hopes this initiative will build on its guaranteed $150,000 commitment and inspire employees, customers, suppliers, community partners, and residents to join the effort,” said a news release from the company. The book can be accessed by QR code at various special events throughout the community.
