Handyman crew lends hand to elderly Norco community

Motiva Enterprises donation makes ramps, lifts possible for seniors

While getting a wheelchair lift is a welcome addition for 91-year-old Kirby Giroir’s mobility, it’s a job that only a community that cares about its people can get done.

Giroir, a World War II veteran, said he wished he’d gotten the ramp sooner.

They’re called the NCA Handyman Committee, an arm of the Norco Civic Association made up of nearly 10 men who don’t hesitate to answer a call when someone needs a wheelchair ramp or lift.

The NCA stands for Norco Civic Association, a group dedicated to its community and one of those ways is caring for it senior citizens.

“The installation of a ramp or lift often requires the help of many and when the request is sent out the response is terrific,” said President Sal Digirolamo.  “They just installed a lift and it was really something to see. “This great bunch of guys are working their tails off and having fun doing it. This is the result of good leadership.”

Motiva Enterprises donates the lifts and platforms, said Committee Chairman Eddie “Bud” Duhe.

“This was all done because the Civic Association wanted to make Norco the best it could be for elderly people,” Duhe said. “And we have so many elderly people in Norco.”

Nearly 12 years ago, the committee started doing fix-it jobs for residents and then realized there were a lot of people bound to wheelchairs.

This is when Motiva stepped in and started buying the ramps and lifts, which Duhe said are well built and engineered.

“We feel completely safe putting these things up,” Duhe said. “We keep a good supply of them on hand. When someone calls and needs a ramp, we choose a size and platform as needed, and we go from there.”

In as little as four hours, they are installed.

“This whole thing is only possible through a combination of efforts – all the guys working together get the job done, and we can’t forget about Motiva that made it possible to provide these great ramps and platforms. This isn’t a one man show – there are a lot of people involved.”