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4- The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 28, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Rekindling faith in humanity for families Continued from page 3 ready to jump in and help. Mike Leyer, Production Manager for Cochren Homes, has worked with Walls of Hope on their previous projects. "You just get pulled into it. The families are all in need, but they're fantastic. They live their life and take care of their children, but they don't complain about things. We are just RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AWNINGS, CANOPIES, PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURES Enjoy the outdoors relaxing under a Sunguard awning manufactured with your choice of fade proof Sunbrella fabric, and powered by a reliable Somfy remote controlled motor. here to help them out," said Leyer. Cochren Homes as well as CBU Contracting By Us and Michael Kennedy and Associates were the main contractors. The final outcome makes it worth it to Leyer. "It's immediate gratification. The best part is the reveal when the families come back to see the work that's done. It brings tears to your eyes every time," said Leyer. New flooring, a new deck, fresh paint, and finished basement are just a few of the tasks that Walls of Hope tackled in the John's home. The children also had input in the murals painted in their rooms. Matthew got a dragon on his wall, Christopher a castle and David a map while Sara asked for a tree. Marcel Mackay from Contracting By Us wishes more people would lend a hand. "It's good for the soul to help people. It's good to give back," said Mackay. "A lot of times when you think that the world is against you, and someone like Sera and Walls of Hope comes here, it changes your outlook," he added. Johns had the same sentiments after arriving home Sunday. "I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless, which for me is a rarity," Johns said, chuckling. "I cannot believe the grace and the love and the generosity of complete strangers towards another family. It restores any doubt that I might have had in all of humanity. I think for my children who so often go through life and get teased and bullied, it reinforces the fact that you know what, it's okay to have special needs, it's okay to be slightly different the world still accepts you." Johns can't wait to help Walls of Hope in their next project. "I already told them, next project I'm there. It's a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself. I can't believe it's real. It looks beyond anything that I could have imagined. It just looks so, so beautiful." Johns thinks that this experience will have lasting effects on her children. "For my kids this is going to be a boost of faith that I could have never given them by myself," said Johns. Johns' daughter, Sara, was amazed. "It is beyond my dreams. I can't thank everyone enough, it's the best thing ever." Mansueto and O'Connell were speechless themselves after seeing the family's reactions upon entering their home. "I'm feeling amazing. There are no words, there's no words. It's all emotion," said Mansueto. "Priceless, absolutely priceless. It was worth all the sweat and all the planning. It makes us want to do it all over again," said O'Connell. Intriguing Landscapes Inc. donated all the landscaping supplies including new grass and plants. Many other business made generous donations and Walls Of Hope would like to thank everyone who was involved. For more information and a complete list of donors visit the Web site at www.wallsofhope.ca. Call or visit our showroom at: 4090 Ridgeway Dr. #10, Mississauga 905-569-8566 www.sunguardawnings.com Mon.-Fri. 9:30am to 5pm, Sat 9:30am to 3pm Introducing a walking shoe that's got support in more ways than one. www.brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com www.brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · www.brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com www.brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · www.brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com Come down to our great friendly store... BRETTON'S KIA BU R L I N G TO N LUCKY ale #7 S 2005 Kia Amanti Save 7 Thousand Dollars Off MSRP Brand New DEMOS! Save 7 Thousand Dollars! 2005 Kia Sedona LX 743 Women's Walker · · · · Official Walking Shoe of O, The Oprah Magazine's 2006 O You! Event Lightweight, breathable and comfortable cardio walking shoe Colours: White/Turquoise, White/Green Available widths: Women's 2A­2E DEMO! 10,000 kms Save 7 Thousand Dollars! 5 9 Only at Bretton's Kia! Only in Burlington! QEW sR .E LE IDD ER M AST UPPROAD E 8 403 TH Oakville . W E. Q. TH E LIN E LIN Upper Middle Rd E & 8th Line 905.337.9393 ir Fa vie w . St 1239 Plains Rd. East 905.639.2306 3 40 in Pla . dE sR in Pla Br an QEW tS t. www.newbalanceoakville.ca www.brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com · brettonskia.com The largest selection of New Balance apparel, accessories and footwear in multiple widths.