Staff
“We, as a business community of the Battlefords, now have an opportunity to pay back a long‐time businessman who has given so much to our community and helped so many others over the years,” states a press release promoting a benefit for Larry Houle being planned for Aug. 6.
March 6, Houle, owner of Guy’s Furniture, had an unfortunate and life-changing incident. He was enjoying a hockey game when the sport he loved took a turn for the worse. He lost an edge and went into the boards, head first, which caused his neck to break, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.
Since the incident Houle has been in Saskatoon hospitals recovering and doing rehabilitation, learning how to adapt to the limitations his injury has caused. According to those organizing the benefit, his daughters, Chantel and Meagen, have been an integral part of his recovery in Saskatoon. Houle will be going to First Steps in Regina Aug. 11 for several months to do intensive rehabilitation.
The release adds, “During recovery Houle has charged ahead with adapting technology to allow him to remain connected through voice activated phone and computer as well as motorized wheelchair that he can operate with his chin. His extremely positive attitude and determination to continue advancing through physiotherapy to improve his ability to make even slight movements in his upper body are admirable.
“However, the reality is he is currently paralyzed from the neck down and will not be able to go back to the way things were before the incident.”
The City of North Battleford has approved renovations to the Guy’s Furniture store to accommodate remodeling a portion of it for residential use. This will allow Houle to live at Guy’s Furniture and take part in day-to-day business operations and regain that part of his life.
“Creating a home and work environment for someone with Larry’s limitations requires many specialized and expensive pieces of equipment for every room,” the release explains.
A benefit is being held on Aug. 6 at the Northland Power Curling Centre.
The event will consist of a dance and fundraising through silent and live auctions.
Funds raised will go through the Community Foundation who have set up a Larry Houle Family Fund. Monetary donations can also be sent directly to the foundation.
Organizers say Houle hopes to be in attendance and is looking forward to the opportunity to thank his friends and community for their support over the past months.
For more information or to donate items or to make monetary contributions contact: Peter Frey 306-441‐1124; Bryan Renwick 306-441‐8811; Ron Spence 306-441‐4016; Walter Dutchak 306-441‐7471; Jimmy Cole 306-441‐4087; Rob Rongve 306-937‐5041; or Mark Richardson 306-441‐8721.
Community Foundation (monetary donations) can be made to Houle Family Fund, Box 1302, North Battleford, Sask. S9A 3L8.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available at Nutec Embroidery, Guy’s Furniture, WPD Ambulance, Battlefords Massage Therapy and RBC Dominion Securities (6th floor).
