HAPPY
BIRTHDAY CANADA / Christian Homemakeover
by Joyce Harback
July is the month of camping, Canada Day and the
Calgary Stampede. Time to relax, soak up the sun
(hopefully) and celebrate everything that makes
this country—and our own city—such a great place
to live.
So, what do you think is great about Canada?
Out of a small group of university students, Ken
immediately answered the question: “Freedom.”
Bronwyn was impressed with “free health care.”
Another young woman was glad she had the chance
to play rugby: “So many countries, women can’t
participate in whatever they choose.”
Pose the question to any person on the street
and the answers are as diverse as our citizens:
The forests. The mountains. The changing beauty
all across this vast land mass. The strong
banking system. Our polite manner. A valiant
history. Educational prowess. Recreational
options. Tim Horton’s. Hockey. Multiculturalism.
Volunteerism. Our natural resources.
However, across all age groups in all economic
levels, the question was most frequently
answered with one word: “People.” Of course,
we’re talking about people who contribute.
Hard-working, honest, law-abiding citizens and
immigrants contribute in every corner of this
country, from entrepreneurs to corporate office
workers; from healthcare providers to teachers;
from blue-collar workers to artists. Beyond the
workplace, almost half of us also volunteer our
time and 84 per cent donate financially to a
non-profit or charitable organization. But
Calgary has something special: over 71 per cent
of us volunteer an average of 15 hours per
month, far higher than the 46 per cent national
average.
This house, built by volunteers
and businesses who donated all the building
materials and labour was an idea started by
contractor Kerry Wiebe.
Although nearing completion, they still need
donations such as appliances, household goods
and cash.
Email Kerry at
wiebe@abnet.ca or phone 403-606-2846 to find
out how you can help or donate.
The great strength of this city is the
hard-working people who actively donate their
time and resources to make positive change for
others. People like Kerry Wiebe, the Christian
contractor spearheading an extreme home makeover
for the Morrisey family.
“We selected this family as they are in extreme
need, but in their need they still give.” Wiebe
said. “If we are able to help them with their
home, they will be able to reach out to many
others that need a little love.”
The Morrisey’s house was in such poor condition,
it was cheaper to rebuild than repair. On May 5,
the demolition began and as of June 12, the new
house is standing, the roof is on and windows
are in.
Wiebe’s company has been a supporter of
“Cornerstone of Hope” (Rainbows of Hope), a
not-for-profit company providing counselling for
single parent families going through loss due to
death or divorce, and helping them thrive in the
face of adversity.
Rebuilding a house requires an entire village of
individual volunteers, companies and suppliers
contributing time and resources. Wiebe says
without this he would never be able to help fix
the situation.
“Many are quick to send money to very worthy
causes in other countries, flood victims,
hurricane victims, starving children, and
poverty,” Wiebe said. While those are worthy
causes, “our team wants to do the same in our
own back yard.”
“Donations are still needed,” Wiebe commented.
“There is no way that TCC is capable of giving a
house away, but with all (the) trades, prayer
teams, suppliers and donors, this team effort is
helping to accomplish a miracle. Each of you are
very important and I pray blessing on your lives
and businesses.”
Weibe also said they are just looking for help
for the family. There’s still a $50,000 mortgage
and no appliances. Basic household goods like
linens and dishes and gift cards or cash would
be a wonderful help. If you would like to know
how you can help, email Kerry Wiebe at
wiebe@abnet.ca
or phone 403-606-2846. For pictures, background,
the Morrisey’s story and a list of contributors,
visit
www.christianhomemakeover.com. For
information about Cornerstone of Hope, visit
www.cornerstoneofhope.ca.
Work on the new house is ongoing with floors and
finishing expected in July.
July is the month to celebrate Canada Day,
Calgary Stampede and conclude work on the
Morrisey house. What’s so great about Canada?
People like you. The Christian community making
a difference in Calgary, one family at a time.