After decades of providing abundant support to the community, a widow who’s taken dozens under her roof, is now in need of fixing that roof.
“I’m not in a situation to do anything about it, so I just figure out I’ll live out my days, and we’ll both crumble along beside each other,” said Lucy Walton (no relation to the reporter), who has dedicated her whole life to helping others.
But Walton’s daughter, along with Katie Aldo – who credits her successful career to Walton’s help, aren’t going let the problem escalate.
“I think Penticton needs to know that you guys really do have an real-life angel that lives there, and she’s dedicated her whole life to helping the less fortunate,” Aldo said. “But she’s such a saint that she would never ask anyone for help.”
As a single mother living in low-income housing and collecting social assistance, Aldo was unable to find any public support for a higher education.
“It’s a trap. Once you’re in that situation, the way society is set up, you’re stuck and you can’t get back out,” she said.
After a tearful explanation of her situation to Walton, Aldo saw a major obstacle overcome.
“She took my daughter and watched her from about 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., and never charged me a dime more than what subsidy would cover,” Aldo said.
That routine carried for four years while Aldo worked two part-time jobs and put herself through post-secondary.
“She saved my life, and now I want to help her save her home.”
The generosity shown towards Aldo was just a drop in the bucket, as Walton will help just about anybody she sees in need.
“What we’re looking for, is all of the people who Lucy has touched, which in Penticton is an abundance of people,” she said. “If you could just imagine how many people have come through her doors broken; she has rebuilt them as productive members of society, and she did it all her own on a fixed income.”
To make it happen, Aldo and Walton’s daughter have recently launch a crowd funding website with a goal of raising $10,000.
“We can take the money that’s there and see if we can put on a new roof for her,” she said of the aging home. “And then any other repairs can be done with whatever money’s left over.”
The gofundme page can be found at goo.gl/3GwuIp.
Those who can’t contribute financially are still welcome to volunteer – especially tradespeople.
“I would be more than grateful to have them come in and take a look,” Aldo said. “As long as that house is standing, I know she’s going to save more people’s lives.”