‘I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT’
STEAM MILL VILLAGE, N.S. — It was an unbelievable Christmas surprise that warmed her heart — and home. Mary McNutt probably could have rented an apartment for the $800 to $900 a month she typically spends on home heating oil during the winter.
However, she didn’t want to leave the house she has called home for the past 50 years.
McNutt uses a walker; her mobility impeded by severe arthritis and lymphedema.
It hasn’t affected her attitude, though.
“You have to learn to handle things,” McNutt said. “If you give up, you’re done.”
She said a VON care worker was always teasing her about getting her house — which she estimates to be close to 150 years old — insulated.
He suggested Thermo Homes of Kentville.
She discussed what she could afford with the company and was shocked by an offer to insulate the home for one cent. “I couldn’t believe it. I’m not used to that,” McNutt said. “My daughter, I was talking to her, she’s in Texas. She said, ‘Mom, I’m sitting here in tears.’ ”
McNutt is incredibly grateful, saying it was an exceptional thing for the company to do.
It means she can save money in case she one day needs a power wheelchair or has to pay for other home renovations.
“More than the money, although that’s great too, it really is, it is the kindness,” McNutt said.
Dave Brake of Thermo Homes said for the company it’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
“We looked at what the quote was and what the energy assessment would be and thought we could make a real difference for her and do our part to help the community at this time of year,” Brake said.
Seeing how grateful McNutt is to receive the help, he said, “definitely warms the heart. It warms the heart and the home.”