One Regina family took in the surprise of a lifetime on Wednesday afternoon when they arrived to their transformed house from the 2nd annual Build Love Project.
Bonnie and Stuart Gorski, along with their sons Sam and Jack, had the opportunity to view their home which was renovated to become 100 per cent accessible. Extended family, friends and members of the community gathered at their house to be a part of the reveal.
Awaiting the arrival of the Gorski family as they’ll soon see their transformed home in northwest Regina thanks to Build Love. Reveal expected in the next few minutes. #YQR #Regina @620ckrm pic.twitter.com/gLeyN0HP7V
— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) October 23, 2019
The countdown and the surprise! #BuildLove #YQR #Regina pic.twitter.com/AfqfNPuDQO
— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) October 23, 2019
The Gorskis were chosen out of 20 applicants for the project earlier this year after a number of people nominated them. Bonnie, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005, now uses a wheelchair for her mobility.
Unfortunately their split-level home in northwest Regina didn’t present a large amount of accessibility, and sometimes Bonnie was limited to one space – around the kitchen area – where she would remain for much of the day. If she needed to go anywhere else in the house, her husband Stuart had to carry her.
It reached a point where either Bonnie had to find a better living situation for her or they had to invest in a costly renovation. That’s when Build Love learned about their position and offered to help.
The family was relocated to a rental home while crews and volunteers began work on their house. After months of blood, sweat and tears, the Gorskis arrived home and were treated to an unforgettable reveal.
Build Love co-founder Brandon Fuchs said their nominations and application stood out to them when choosing a recipient for the renovations. Besides creating a mobile-friendly space for Bonnie, Fuchs admired the community spirit their family has demonstrated throughout the years.
“They were so involved in our community, which is what we’re here for. We’re here to build our community and provide a better outcome in our city,” stated Fuchs. “They did a lot of that before MS and during MS.”
Bonnie and Stuart Gorski sitting in their new living room. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
He added that this project wouldn’t have been possible without support from hundreds of people – builders and trades, sponsors, fundraising partnerships and community volunteers – to make this dream become a reality.
While there are many upgrades and new appliances that were included in the renovation, highlights from the remodel include lifts inside and outside for Bonnie, an elevator so she can access one of their three levels, and a brand-new enclosed back patio.
Bonnie said she’s grateful for all the effort and support people have given them through this adventure. “They just taught me that there are people out there that are doing good in the world.”
To read more about their story and to see photos and video of the completed project, visit Build Love Project’s Facebook page.
Build Love will soon be taking in applications and nominations for their third project next year. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
