Dave and Candy Hamm could not contain their excitement on Monday afternoon, April 19, when their new home arrived on site in the Village of Munson.
The Mail reported in its January 5 edition the couple learned on Christmas Day they won a recycled home. Taber-based Wade’s House Moving, and Structural Precast, a company that does foundations, held a contest awarding a recycled home and foundation to a couple in need.
After four months of waiting they were able to see their new home rolling down the street. They were joined by their daughter and grandchildren for the moment.
“It’s going to take a week to wipe the smile off my face,” Dave told the Mail.
The couple has faced health struggles that set them back financially, and in the meantime, their home was falling into disrepair to the point it would cost more to fix than replace.
“It’s a dream come true… sometimes, the words are hard to find for everything that has gone on,” said Candy.
During the four months between learning they won the house, and it arriving, the couple was busy making arrangements. The permitting had to be applied for, the old home needed to be removed and the utilities moved, and the basement was excavated and a foundation was put in place.
Candy said they were helped along the process a great deal by Dave Wolfe of Greener Homes in Lethbridge, who stepped up to assist them on their journey. As a contractor, he understood what was needed to be completed logistically.
The home was built in 1956 and came from a Calgary neighbourhood. Wade’s made sure the house was in move-in condition for the family. Mr. Wolfe again stepped up and completed some renovations free of charge to adapt the space for the senior couple, including locating laundry facilities on the main floor.
The couple is in awe of how people helped them.
“Just when you think that all the people around you aren’t the nicest, something like this happens, and you find out exactly how many good people there are out there, and there’s a lot of them,” said Dave.
This week the home will be secured in place, but there are still a few renovations that need to be completed before they will be able to move in.
