Projects

2011 Kuris Family

Kuris  Family

We were so excited to work on the Kuris family home.  They were the third recipients of our 2011 projects.  Here is their story....                       Five years ago Shelley and Sam Kuris purchased their dream home, a distinctive Tudor-style house on an acre of land in Whonnock, in East Maple Ridge.  While there was much work to be done on this forty year old home they cheerfully did what they could while relying on Sam’s modest wages.  Shelley focused on raising their three children; Jack (now 12), Silver (7) and Liam (5).

On January 22, 2011 tragedy struck the Kuris family.  Sam, a loving and dedicated husband and father was killed at work, crushed when thrown from a toppling forklift.   Since this time Shelley has been left to care for their three children while facing the daunting prospect of addressing the many significant challenges this house presents.

Shelley’s kitchen is was completely unworkable.  Wiring was inadequate and the oven was not operational, forcing Shelley to use a basement suite kitchen to cook for the family.  Kitchen cupboards were falling apart and counter space virtually non-existent.  The dining room was unfinished and completely unusable.  The chimney was filled with insulation and had no proper chimney cap.  There was evidence of both interior and exterior mould.  Flashing, gutters and front door needed to be replaced as did the deck.  The driveway was cracked in several places.

The Home Team along with the local businesses and volunteers in the area to helped to transform Shelly's home into a peaceful, workable place for her and her children.

Previous Home Team projects have been primarily in the Tri-cities area but this project ventured into Maple Ridge.  While Shelly and the kids flew off to Disneyland - courtesy of Westjet, the volunteers spent 10 days transforming the home and yard.  A brand new exterior, including hardie stucco boards and stone work as well as a new roof, kept with the tudor style that Shelly loved. As well as a revamp on the yard, gardens and driveway.  Added to the home was a renovated garage with a new garage door and a brand new room was finished above, adding extra needed space.  Inside, new flooring was installed, as well as paint throughout.  A newly renovated kitchen and dining room opened up the space between the two and brought in more light.  General decorating and reorganizing was done to make the job complete.  Shelly, Jack, Silver and Liam returned home and were very excited to be in their new space.  All of this was accomplished with the help of many volunteers, friends and local businesses.

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