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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 21, 2006 - 3 Busy weekend for Walls of Hope volunteers Continued from page 1 her family was recommended as a potential Walls of Hope candidate ­ it's the third project the charity has taken on since its inception last August. "I had never even heard of Walls of Hope before," said Johns, whose children include Sarah, 17, David, 13, Matthew, 12 and Christopher, 10. "After we were contacted about it, I wrote them a really, really long document outlining my children and their needs." In addition to Asperger's Syndrome, all three of her sons have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Celiac Disease. Christopher and David also have Tourette's, and Matthew is hearing impaired. "My boys all need separate rooms because of their needs," she said. "It just wouldn't work otherwise." She's so busy with the kids, however, that Johns can only hold down a part-time administrative job from home, which makes affording a five bedroom house difficult. Her parents were able to buy the Gainsborough Drive townhouse a month ago using some inheritance money, but extra cash is extremely hard to come by for the family. Venting problems in the townhouse caused mould to build up in the basement and attic, and much of the house had to be torn up to replace the ducts and fix other problems. Johns doesn't have either the time or money to fix the unfinished renovations. "She's got her hands full," said interior decorator and Walls of Hope co-founder, Karen O'Connell. "There's a lot of work to be done here." That's where Walls of Hope comes in. One of the criteria for candidates of the assistance, says co-founder, professional painter and mural artist Sera Mansueto, is "helping people who help themselves." "Barb is a great candidate," added O'Connell. "She's extremely resourceful, and I think she has to be, because she has so much on her plate." On top of her responsibilities at home, Johns also volunteers with a Rotary club and Girl Guides. In fact, just before the ren- PHOTOS BY BARRIE ERSKINE/ OAKVILLE BEAVER BIG JOB AHEAD: Since the Johns family members just moved into their new home, Walls of Hope organizers asked them to leave many of their belongings in boxes. The unfinished basement (below) requires extensive renovations. ovations began, three Nigerian Girl Guide exchange students were staying at her place. "This woman is just amazing," said Mansueto. "She helps everyone." Most of Johns' belongings are still in boxes since the move a month ago, which makes things easier for the volunteer crew of more than 50. They'll spend today, Saturday and Sunday getting the house ready for the family's return and the sur- prise reveal planned for Monday. "Walls of Hope looked at this space and they were able to see where there were holes, areas of danger for the kids," said Johns. "There are holes everywhere, wires everywhere." The kid's rooms have already been painted and are almost completely set up, "but the rest of the house is a bomb," said Johns, laughing. Come Monday, which also happens to be Johns' birthday, that will be a whole different story. "This is absolute chaos right now, but I'm so excited," she said. "I can't wait." The focus of renovations, say O'Connell and Mansueto, will be the basement, which houses the main living area, Johns' bedroom, a laundry room, a small bathroom and what will soon be her at-home office. The crew will also work on the kitchen and living room on the first floor, and add some "embellishments" to the kids' bedrooms upstairs. Drywall, electrical, new floors, new paint, wallpaper ­ you name it, Walls of Hope's volunteer crew is taking care of it. Furniture and other decorative pieces for the home are provided by donations, which the charity is always looking for, and fundraisers also help to purchase some items. Today is `trades day,' which was spearheaded by Oakville builder, Cochrane Homes. Licensed electricians, plumbers and other trades-people will be laying the groundwork all day today, and other volunteers on the weekend will continue from there. "We're really pleased with the response," said Mansueto. "Professionals are giving up a day when they could be earning money to help us out." With limited time to turn the house around, the trades-people will be a valuable asset. "It can be really chaotic, with volunteers running around everywhere," said O'Connell, smiling. "It'll just help us make sure everything happens in a timely fashion. We really have our work cut out for us." For more on Walls of Hope, visit www.wallsofhope.ca. -- Krissie Rutherford can be reached at krutherford@oakvillebeaver.com. Discover New Products UP TO SAVE UP TO 21 SEER RATING UP TO ON COOLING COSTS* OAKVILLE TOWN CENTRE I 300 North Service Rd. W. at Dorval 50% 13 SEER RATING 15 SEER RATING AY LL DISPLS A MODEL MUST GO OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK *SEE STORE FOR DETAILS O.A.C. Oak Town Centre 1 QEW Dorval 905-844-1223 North Service Road