Widow's home secretly renovated by volunteers
You might need a tissue...:)
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Widow's home secretly renovated by volunteers
Last Updated: Monday, December 15, 2008 | 5:12 PM MT
CBC News
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Donalyn Daniels and her daughters recently lost husband and dad Dallas to cancer. (CBC)
A widow and her two daughters were surprised on Sunday when their Medicine Hat, Alta., bungalow was secretly made over by volunteers.
Donalyn Daniels recently lost her husband Dallas to cancer.
"During his fight with cancer he had a very, very strong faith, that kept him very strong," said relative Roxanne Willford.
For three years, local real estate agent Scott Cowan has organized a one-day, extreme makeover during the holidays for a needy family.
Volunteers worked through the day, renovating the kitchen and bathroom. Volunteers worked through the day, renovating the kitchen and bathroom. (CBC)
About $60,000 in "goods and services" from businesses, contractors and volunteers were poured into the Daniels' home on Sunday.
"There used to be a hospital bed here where we're standing, and now there's going to be Christmas trees, there's going to be new paint, there's going to be new furniture," said Cowan as the project was underway. "It's a fresh start, and that's what we're hoping for today."
When Donalyn Daniels and her daughters — 10-year-old Maria and 13-year-old Kayla — returned to their made-over home at the end of the day, Donalyn couldn't hold back her tears.
"Sorry," she said. "You just never know when emotions are gonna grab you. I only wish Dallas could have been a part of this."
Although Dallas Daniels' funeral was just a few days ago, relatives wanted to go on with the renovation without telling Donalyn and her daughters.
"The timing of this it's really hard, because we want to have a time to reflect on him and everything he means to us and the good part is that this would have been something he would have loved to have given his family," said relative Shelly Strobel.
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From a local newspaper:
'Break and Enter' brings caring to widow, children Print E-mail
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Special is a word which can be tossed about like so many snowflakes on a winter day but when Hatters put their minds to it, those seven letters have a whole new meaning. ALEX MCCUAIG
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Special is a word which can be tossed about like so many snowflakes on a winter day but when Hatters put their minds to it, those seven letters have a whole new meaning.
All day Sunday contractors, business owners and volunteers crowded Ross Glen Way with their trucks loaded with material and tools to redecorate a family's home. A family whose patriarch, Dallas Daniels, died one week ago after a battle against cancer, leaving a wife and two bright young daughters.
His wife, Donalyn, and their daughters Maria, 10 and Kayla, 13, were this year's recipients of the Break and Enter Christmas sponsored by Atlas Realty and Power 93.7.
The idea is simple enough. A deserving family leaves the home early in the morning not to return until that evening, unaware of what will await them when they come home.
Plumbers, carpenters, cabinet makers from across the city descend on the house to breathe new life into the home, bring Christmas presents from businesses across the Hat and top it off with a decorated tree.
The Daniels’ home was a scene of good-natured chaos for most of the day, and the mood became a little nervous and a little anxious as the hours went by. But by 7 p.m., a new kitchen, living room and bathroom — complete with upgraded appliances and furniture awaited the family.
"Wow, this is unreal," said Donalyn after taking a tour of the renovated home. "I only wish Dallas could have been part of this."
Of the close to 100 friends, family and ordinary Hatters who just wanted to help, few were without a tear.
"I'm looking forward to making many more memories here," Donalyn told those gathered around her.
Head sponsor for the fundraiser, Scott Cowan of Atlas Realty, said the idea to hold this event in Medicine Hat came when he found his wife tearing up when they were on a trip to San Diego.
"I walked into the hotel room and I thought, what did I do now. She said to listen to the radio and they were doing the same thing in San Diego and I thought we could do it here," he said.
Cowan said the idea of the Break and Enter Christmas is to find a family that has come upon a desperate situation.
"I believe this family was the perfect choice. It's like the old barn raising. People just need a reason to come out and help. It's about the love of Christmas."
Cowan estimates that at least $60,000 has gone into the project from furniture stores, building supply outfits and gift donations from individuals.
"This is Medicine Hat saying to one family, we love you, we care about you, we grieve with your loss and we are going to do something about it."
Donalyn's sister, Shelley Strobel, said the past week has been tough with Dallas' funeral having been held just two days prior to the renovation on Sunday.
"She has been taking care of her husband for the last four months as he battled cancer. She is a very strong lady," she said.
"It is going to be a hard Christmas because it will be the first without her husband. I don't know how much it is going to feel like Christmas but this being done it will be somewhat overwhelming and very good."
