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Teeing up to raise money for injured military personnel  

Renos for Heroes is an Ontario based charity that helps wounded soldiers with renovations to their home, wherever changes are needed in the home. The charity was founded in 2010 by Toronto-based contractor, Jim Caruk, and his brother, Deryl Caruk.

Jim Caruk had met a contractor who had just lost his son in Afghanistan. Through their conversation, Jim’s eyes were opened to a world of wounded soldiers who were in need of renovations for their homes. However, Jim was in need of funds to help kickstart the organization.

“Jim phoned me and said to me, ‘What can we do?’ and I said, ‘Well, we’ve got a golf tournament coming up for another charity,’” said Deryl. “Anyways, we changed it and that’s kind of how it all started in June of 2010. In that first year, we raised over $50,000 for our first projects.”

Renovation projects can range anywhere from putting in a new, accessible kitchen, to new flooring, even putting in a new deck. Deryl recalls one project where they were able to provide a wheelchair-bound Veteran with a brand-new deck off the back of his house. The deck was built to level with his bedroom, complete with an emergency exit from the bedroom and a ramp.

“Obviously through the summer and that, he can barbeque on the deck if he likes. We’ve done decks in varying size. We’ve done small decks all the way up to 1,200 square feet,” said Deryl.

Those who are interested to see if they qualify for a renovation, simply fill out an online application through the Department of National Defence.

“We look at it and, if it merits, I will go up and talk to them, we’ll look at the project and if everything comes together, we will do the project,” said Deryl. “The Government only gives x amount of dollars for the home, which there’s only so much money to go around and so that’s where we kind of step in.”

Renos for Heroes works closely with the Carpenter’s Union of Ontario. Deryl said they are very close partners and through that partnership, they are able to work anywhere in Ontario, while also having completed projects in Alberta and New Brunswick.

This year’s golf tournament takes place on June 7, 2018, at the Brampton Golf and Country Club. The cost to enter is $285. Deryl hopes they will be able to raise somewhere in the $25,000 range, if not more.

To find out more about the Renos for Heroes Golf Tournament or the other projects they have underway, please visit their website here.

Feature photo credit: CJ Schade

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Miranda Brumwell

Miranda attended Niagara College in 2014, completing the two-year Journalism program. She currently resides in London, ON with her boyfriend and baby boy. In her spare time, Miranda enjoys reading, cooking, photography, watercolour painting and spending time with family and friends.

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