[ad_1]
Jim Caruk’s charity, Renos for Heros, held its annual Hearts for Heros gala on Nov. 8 in Woodbridge, Ont..
Now in its 15th year, Hearts for Heros is one of three fundraising events held each year to support Renos for Heros. Renos for Heros does home renovations for injured veterans.
Jim Caruk and his wife, Jill.
“We bridge the gap from what the government will do,” Caruk explains. Example projects include building wheelchair ramps, rebuilding a veteran’s damaged chimney, building a new, accessible garage and even installing an elevator system. Caruk says Renos for Heros does five or six projects per year, funded by the money it raises from event attendees and sponsors. RoadSport Auto Group was the main sponsor for this years’ event and has been a long-time supporter.
Milwaukee Tool also has a big support role and was on-hand with a loaded table of silent auction donations. The Carpenters Union is also heavily involved.
The guests of honour were the many Canadian military veterans in attendance from all branches of the service. Most had benefitted from Renos for Heros services in one way or another.
The veterans in attendance were piped into the hall and honoured throughout the night for their service. An empty table was set out for fallen soldiers.
One of the injured veterans, Christine Gauthier, was on hand to tell the story of how Renos for Heros built a three-story elevator on her Quebec home. Gauthier had been injured in an artillery training accident and wheelchair bound following many surgeries. She attempted to get help for five years and was sometimes forced to crawl up the stairs to access her house, pulling her wheelchair behind her. Gauthier’s support dog, Alba, stole the show wearing her own tuxedo and charming everyone around. Remarkably, Gauthier has not let her injury stop her and went on to become a five-time medalist in Paralympic kayaking and competed at the Invictus Games.
About 300 people sat down for a very delicious dinner of risotto, chicken and beef short ribs. The venue was Paramount Event Space, which is located in the same very large and modern building as the Carpenters Union.
Following dinner, attendees heard from Renos for Heros chairman and chairman of Vicwest Building Products, Paul Lobb. Lobb reported that Renos for Heros has raised over $1 million for charitable renovation work since its founding.
The live auction after dinner moved some very nice items, including a diamond necklace and tickets to Leafs, Raptors and Formula One events.
The Hearts for Heros gala is a fun way for construction professionals to come togther for a great cause. Anyone wishing to get involved to support Renos for Heros can visit renosforheros.org.