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Community holding fundraiser for paralyzed Guy’s Furniture owner

Jun 15, 2016 | 3:02 PM

The business community that Larry Houle gave so much to is now holding a fundraiser to support him after he was paralyzed playing hockey this year.

Peter Frey of Nutec Embroidery and several other friends of Houle in the Battlefords business community are holding a fundraiser in August.

“Larry’s always been a huge part of the community, always given back to the community, so we’re putting it on to show support for Larry and his family,” Frey said. “When Larry comes back here and hopefully starts operating his business like he can, he’ll have the support and be able to see the support he has from the community.”

Houle, the owner of Guy’s Furniture, was playing recreational hockey on March 6 when he went head first into the boards. The incident left him with a broken neck and paralysis from the neck down.

Frey said Houle is recovering, doing physiotherapy every day and adapting to life in his condition. He now has a wheelchair he can operate with his chin and uses voice activated technology. Frey said Houle’s daughters Chantel and Meagen, who are both in university, have been an ‘amazing’ support for their father. He said he is in awe of Houle, who remains positive and upbeat despite the setback.

“Many people ask Larry for support and he always says yes, he’ll do whatever he can to help,” Frey said. “He’s always been giving to the community so it was overwhelming how many calls, how many people stopped in and talked to us about wanting to do something for him.”

The fundraiser will include live and silent auctions and a dance. Frey said plans are in place for 800 tickets and he expects the event to sell out. He said Houle is planning on leaving the hospital in Saskatoon for a few hours to come to the fundraiser.

In mid-August Frey said Houle will go from the hospital in Saskatoon to a special recovery program in Regina for a few months.

“We’re not sure when we’re going to get him full time, but he’s looking forward to coming home on Aug. 6, the night of the function and seeing people there,” he said.

Frey said everything Houle will need to get back to work at Guy’s Furniture, in addition to his medical expenses, is a huge cost. The building next to the business is being renovated to become Houle’s new home so he can get back to work. Frey said the renovations will be a huge undertaking as the living space has to be completely redone to accommodate Houle’s condition.

The fundraiser will take place Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Northland Power Curling Centre. Tickets are available at Nutec Embroidery, Guy’s Furniture. WPD Ambulance, Battlefords Massage Therapy and RBC Dominion Securities. Donations are also welcome.

 

Sarah.rae@jpbg.ca

@sarahjeanrae