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Thursday, February 24, 2011 17
Family’s reaction caught on TV From drab to Dora the Explorer heaven – Pierina Brown is most proud of the way she transformed the young girl’s bedroom.
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However, her face is showing the effects of someone who hasn’t slept in two days. She can’t afford shut-eye. A comfy pillow can come after the job is done. Brown, who runs a design company in North Vancouver, is leading a group of residents in a home-makeover project for a Kamloops family who could really use the help. The recipients of the transformation are the Lust family - Len, Leanne and Desiree. The catch - the family had no idea that, while they were away on a visit to Vancouver last week, the small army of friends and volunteers were busy making over their modest trailer in Kamloops. The big reveal took place on live television on Sunday, Feb. 13, as part of the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon on Global TV. (The telethon raised more than $7 million.) Mom Leanne and three-year-old Desiree both have cerebral palsy - a condition that can cause physical disability - and the family has had a recent run of bad luck. So, when a friend contacted Brown and asked if she could help in any way, she was moved to act. “I’m lucky,” she said, with tears in her eyes. “I’m so fortunate to have healthy kids.” Though Brown had never met the Lust family, she did see a video of little Desiree - who she now calls her “princess”- and was heartbroken. “That was enough for us to say, ‘We’re going to help you,’” she said. And help is what this group has done. With Brown’s expertise in design, thousands of donated dollars and supplies was spent overhauling the trailer in just three short days. A group of 15 volunteers worked tirelessly around the clock to complete the renovation. The interior got a new paint job, kitchen floors
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and a set of brand-new furniture. The home was also fitted with new patio and outdoor furniture. But the most touching touch-up can be seen in Desiree’s bedroom. The three-year-old’s room was converted from the drab to an homage to Dora the Explorer Desiree’s favourite character. “When they see it on TV, they’re going to have tears in their eyes,” said Doreen Gowans, a family friend who volunteered her time to do some of the work, prior to the reveal. “They’re going to be in awe of how their house was transformed.” Gowans said she was approached by Brian MacKinnon, Leanne’s father, prior to Christmas and asked if she would be willing to help. She didn’t hesitate - not a question asked. Gowans said the effort by total strangers and friends, really reflects the community’s spirit. “Friends help friends,” she said. And judging by the reaction to the makeover, the Lust family has a new friend in Pierina Brown.
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