Honour House: Celebrating the First Decade
Every day, heroes walk among us. They are neighbours, friends, siblings, spouses. Day after day, year after year, they risk their lives to protect our families and our freedoms.
Some make headlines: the soldier who faces down armed terrorists, the veteran standing proudly to attention on Remembrance Day, the firefighter who emerges from a flame-engulfed house bearing a terrified child or frail senior to safety.
Few seek this public recognition. Fewer still acknowledge their own pain or ask for assistance when physical or mental injuries become unbearable.
But when these heroes do need a helping hand, Honour House is there. Located on a quiet, treelined street, this lovingly restored, heritage manor is a concept unique in Canada: a tranquil, supportive oasis for military personnel, veterans, and first responders — or a family member — when they require medical treatment in Metro Vancouver.
Here people can connect, share intimate stories of their triumphs and tragedies, and feel like they’ve become part of a new, extended family. Already many lifelong friendships have been forged as guests gather to prepare a meal or watch a movie together — just like they did before disaster interrupted their lives.
And the most amazing aspect of Honour House? Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors, this home away from home is free for the people who stay here.
There is no financial support from government agencies. Like any non-profit, fundraising is an ongoing challenge made more so by the 2020 pandemic. Many events, like the annual gala, have been cancelled. The need, though, remains.
transforming Horror
Honour House’s 10-year history is an epic tale of unwavering commitment, tenacity, and sheer grit that began with a shocking tragedy.
On March 4th, 2006, Captain Trevor Greene, a Canadian infantry officer serving in Afghanistan, met with village elders in the remote village of Shinkay. Observing the ancient custom of Pashtunwali, the 41-year-old captain and his platoon laid aside their weapons and head gear. When a 16-year-old Taliban insurgent defied tradition and swung his home-made axe into Greene’s unprotected skull, few believed the officer could survive. Against all odds, he did — although it would be a year before the first glimmer of light broke through the darkness of his injury.
Two years later, Al De Genova, a former Vancouver Park Board Commissioner, and his wife watched in disbelief as the Gemini Award-winning documentary Peace Warrior followed Captain Greene’s miraculous recovery. But it was the ongoing struggle Trevor and his wife, Debbie, faced to find, and pay for, accommodations that triggered a personal call to action.
FINDING Home
Working with Ted Hawthorne, partner at the legal firm of Hawthorne Piggott & Company, and with Cam Cathcart, a well-respected CBC reporter and former president of Royal United Services Institute, Honour House was soon incorporated as a non-profit society, a full board of directors recruited, and the search for a suitable residence was underway.
Twice De Genova found what he thought would be an ideal property. And twice municipal zoning regulations slammed the door shut. Until Waynewright, mayor of New westminster, invited De Genova to meet him at 509 St George Street. The moment he saw the home’s heritage architecture, expansive grounds, and location near transit, shopping, and parks, De Genova knew this was “the one.”
He called Michael Flanigan, the City of Vancouver’s director of real estate services. “Mike, your country needs you.” It was the first time De Genova spoke the words that would become his signature introduction to Honour House. “We have to make this happen.”
It was a complex purchase, but make it happen they did. Renovations would take many months, although an unstoppable tsunami of help arrived daily. The Vancouver Regional Construction Association ( VRCA) rallied its members who donated materials and countless hours of skilled labour. Scott Construction Group accepted the task of general contractor. Frequently, volunteers simply showed up to help for a couple of hours.
Finally, on November 10th, 2010, Trevor Greene cut the ceremonial ribbon and declared Honour House open. Ten years later, the house has provided over 10,000 nights of accommodation — a poignant testament to the unsung heroes who serve and sacrifice every day.
To learn more about Honour House and how your donation can help, visit www.honourhouse.ca or contact us at 778-397-4399, admin@honourhouse.ca