MAKING A WISH COME TRUE
Grace gets dream playhouse
As eight-year-old Grace Couldwell explored her new two-storey playhouse, her face lit up at every turn.
“There was so much amazement from what she saw,” says Nancy Couldwell, Grace’s mom.
“I don’t think any of us expected that much. It was just incredible.
“Her dream of this playhouse definitely came true.”
Grace, who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, received a new playhouse constructed by award-winning builder Morrison Homes through Make-A-Wish Southern Alberta.
“As an organization, we have a soft spot in our heart for what Make-A-Wish stands for and for the hope they bring to children and families in our community,” says Dave Gladney, CEO and president of Morrison Homes. “Building this playhouse for Grace has been a true privilege that has inspired our entire team and trade partners.”
This is Morrison’s second playhouse built for Make-A-Wish, following one constructed in 2008.
“When this opportunity came up, we didn’t even think twice about getting involved,” says Will Vandekraats, senior manager, field operations for Morrison. “Playhouses are different than building houses, but they’re exciting.”
He recalls seeing Grace poke her head out of the window, watching as her playhouse took shape in the yard of her family’s home.
“The entire office and field staff all had different opportunities over the last few weeks to help,” Vandekraats says.
There were many possibilities for Grace’s wish, but after spotting the opportunity for a playhouse, “she stopped and was very interested in that,” Nancy says.
They then turned to Pinterest to drum up some ideas.
Morrison worked with a short list from what Grace had envisioned.
“Then it allowed our design manager to work with his team and come up with the rest of it,” Vandekraats says.
The two-storey playhouse features, among other things, a play kitchen and, on the second floor, a loft with a bed and a small outdoor balcony.
“She has a little bed and it’s dressed with sheets, a nice soft blanket, a night stand there with a little lamp,” Nancy says.
The finishes also went the extra mile, she adds.
“She has two chandeliers in the house, which is just incredible,” Nancy says. “And the flooring is unbelievable. That flooring, I’d like in my house. It’s just beautiful.”
And, as Grace wanted, plenty of purple.
“That’s her favourite colour, she loves purple,” Nancy says. “They even had her pick the purple. They came to the house with swatches and asked her which purple she wanted in her house.”