Local company helps their community roof by roof

By Emma Peterson. 

When Karin Sebastianelli and Kiley Geddie found out they had each won a contest for a free roof from Roe Roofing & Exteriors, there were many emotions: shock, joy and overwhelming relief. 

The last few years haven’t been easy for Karin Sebastianelli, a senior who has lived in a two-story home with her husband Sandy, 79, for the last 30 years without a roof replacement. She explains she received a “leukemia diagnosis just as COVID started, and before that, armed robberies in the bank, and a gun in [her] face.” But she hasn’t let that stop her, telling AlbertaPrimeTimes.com, “After eight rounds of chemo, losing my hair and my husband almost dying from COVID, I told myself, 'I'm gonna win this.'” Karin credits her family, friends, and community for her ability to keep going. In response to the $1,500 gift, Karin remarked, “After what I've been through, this tells me to not give up. People like Jason and Raeann have a heart of gold; it's overwhelming.” 

The second winner, Kiley Geddie, has been a speaker for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y) for the last 16 years. Through the organization he works with newly injured people and raises awareness about preventing injuries in youth. The cause has been close to him since a car accident twenty years ago left him paralyzed from the neck down. In addition to his work with P.A.R.T.Y., Kiley explained, “Until COVID, I played power soccer and was part of the Canadian national team, going to Rio.” But the last few years since COVID haven’t been the easiest for him. Kiley notes, “People in wheelchairs, like me, are usually in low-income situations; I've been in dire straits trying to get the money together [for the roof] before this happened.” He wasn’t expecting to win, but he is deeply thankful for everything Roe Roofers & Exteriors has done for him, “I want to express my gratitude; to say thanks from the bottom of my heart.” 

Giving their local community these bright moments is what Jason Roe, his wife Raeann Ouellette and the team at the family owned and operated Roe Roofing call, “do[ing] it for the right reason.” Jason explains his strong belief that “nice guys don't finish last,” and that helping people like Karin and Kiley is a key part of their company’s mission. This isn’t a one time thing for the company either. They host this annual contest with the St. Albert Gazette to donate two roofs to local residents every year!  

Photo source: Alberta Prime Times