In the coming weeks, our all-new series Family Home Overhaul will focus on eight inspiring families whose selfless dedication to improving their communities is being celebrated by giving back to them for a change. HGTV Canada builders and designers will work to renovate each of the family’s homes to help pay it forward. Here, we showcase the families who have left an indelible impression on the HGTV Canada crew and why they consider them to be their heroes. As designer Tiffany Pratt explains, “it’s not what has happened to you in life, it’s what you do with that experience that really makes a life.”
Family Home Overhaul premieres Sunday, September 27 at 10pm on HGTV Canada, and Stream Live and On Demand on the new Global TV app and on STACKTV . HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.
Abd and Ruba
“What inspired me most about Abd and Ruba was their shining hearts and attitude of gratitude! Knowing everything that they have been through- they really embody the triumph of the human spirit. Their family and their love is a testament to the idea that it is not what has happened to you in life – it is what you do with that experience that really makes a life. I love them all and I feel so blessed that I met them and can call them friends.” Tiffany Pratt
Brian and Claire
“Brian and Claire are community heroes because they are always thinking of others and trying to make a difference. When Brian had his accident, they’ve taken the complete change in lifestyle and made into a celebration of the every day. Their giving spirit even extends to the Rolling Through Barriers Charity, for those who have spinal cord injuries. For them, community is family. I think that’s such an incredible concept that we’re all starting to become aware of during challenging times.” Mia Parres
Bubba and Vanessa
The thing that most inspired me about Bubba and Vanessa is that when it comes to taking care of the community football team, they give of themselves, and their time to no end… The reason the team is so important is because it’s a community team, which means hundreds of kids from rival high schools play on it. It helps stitch the social fabric of their city together. It’s a place where kids, of all body shapes and sizes, learn to work together, sweat together, and take care of each other. They learn mental, physical, and emotional strength through discipline and sacrifice. That’s what football is about, and the kids that go through the program are absolutely better community members for it.” Sebastian Clovis
Jennifer
“In helping the members of Jennifer’s community who are in need, she makes the lives of everyone around her better. She inspires her kids to carry on a legacy of charity and generosity, she enables her friends to carry forward the kindness she’s shown them in their time of need and she lifts the spirits of all she encounters through her good nature and service. I think that’s a pretty good definition of ‘hero’… though I sometimes like to use the term ‘She-ro’.” Tommy Smythe
Kate
“Kate has a huge heart and has dedicated her life to helping foster children (and animals). Knowing that her own mother was a foster child, it motivates her to be an incredible mom to her adopted children in addition to fostering as many kids as she can. She recognizes that even when foster kids are grown up, they still need family. She’s created a home for this chosen family with little to no resources and has really struggled to make ends meet but Kate always finds a way and continues to be a rock for the ones that count on her.” Brian McCourt
Sarah and Kevin
“[Sarah and Kevin] have continued to give back to their community over the last few years when they were also in a time of need. To me, that is the ultimate hero. They are the kind of people who continue to put others ahead of themselves and their community has always been on the forefront of their priority list.” Kortney Wilson
Stefanie and Justin
“Stefanie and Justin make life better for animals and their volunteers and everyone in their community. Animals can’t ask for help. Stefanie and Justin work around the clock, literally waking up in the middle of the night to care for sick animals -they are heroes!” Samantha Pynn
Jude and Yon
“Yonette and Jude are a couple that don’t see the work they do fostering children as a choice, they see it as duty and it’s a matter of the heart. They are a beautiful example of a couple and family that understand the boundlessness of love and how there is always more to give. Above all else, when a child is born into this world what they need most is love, nurturing and protection and Yonette and Jude are there to provide that at the drop of a hat, regardless of how that might affect their own finances or living arrangements.” Sarah Keenleyside
Watch full length episodes of Family Home Overhaul now online!
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