Over the past 11 days, volunteers and supporters of Renos for Heroes have marched 300 kilometres from Canadian Forces Base Trenton to Parliament Hill to increase awareness and raise money for Canada’s wounded veterans. Included in this group of supporters were Carpenters’ Union representatives. Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O’Regan and other government officials were also in attendance. Founded in 2010 by HGTV host Jim Caruk, Renos for Heroes enhances accessibility through home renovations to improve the lives of wounded veterans and their families.
“Canada’s veterans have done so much for our country. Renos for Heroes is about showing our appreciation for their service by ensuring that when they come home, moving around the house doesn’t have to be another battle,” said Durval Terciera, lead organizer for the 2017 walkathon and Carpenters’ Union representative. “This is the fourth year that I’ve made the walk. I’ll keep going for years to come if I can help make the lives of our wounded warriors easier.”
More than 100 Canadian military personnel have lost limbs since the Afghan mission began in 2002 and hundreds more have been seriously wounded. Many of them return home and face significant difficulty, especially with their decreased mobility.
The Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario is a proud supporter of Renos for Heroes. Its union members have dedicated their materials, skills and labour to help transform the homes of more than a dozen wounded veterans.