During a dark and difficult time, there is a ray of light for one Ottawa woman, whose need to complete a home renovation has been met with a gift of the heart from a contractor who wants to share his kindness and expertise.

When Tina Paquin and her husband Christian moved to their Rockland, Ont. house in December 2019, the couple were up to the challenge of tackling the fixer-upper. They wanted it to be the family’s forever home.

“We ripped all the floorings out and on the ceiling there was two inches of icicles and my husband had to rip it all off,” says Tina Paquin. “And we did it ourselves. It was a labour of love, you know we did everything together just like we did in life.”

The following summer, their life took a dramatic turn. Christian was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer.

The focus shifted from repairs to recovery but one year later, Christian was faced with a further complication, his cancer had spread to his brain, and surgery was required.

“My husband was hospitalized at the end of June the day after our 20th wedding anniversary,” says Paquin, who praises the excellent care and compassion received by healthcare providers.

“On Oct. 9 we learned that he had (a short time) to live and my husband’s wish was to come home and with the doctors help we were able to bring him home.”

The Paquin’s son was also in the midst of moving home. The apartment where he had been living was sold, forcing him to leave. Tina and Christian wanted to complete the basement bathroom and install a shower. A contractor would be needed.

“I contacted Edgar and he came in and provided me with a quotation.”

When Lavergne Home Improvement Renovations owner, Edgar Lavergne arrived at the Paquin’s house to appraise the job, he learned of the family’s situation. 

That evening Lavergne decided to donate his time. He and his team, as well as an electrician, would provide all the work, and most of the products free of charge.

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