$1M BABY COUPLE
The couple that made headlines with a $950K medical bill for their daughter’s birth will star in a reality show.
Before they made headlines with a $950,000 medical bill for their daughter’s birth, Jennifer Huculak-Kimmel and her husband Darren had started a journey to a drastically different career.
Later this month, the first year of their adventure will be broadcast to the world on a reality TV show.
Two years ago, Jennifer and Darren, who hail from Humboldt, had been looking to get out of the cattle business due to low prices. Buying a business on Reindeer Lake, which they named Nordic Lodge, struck them as a promising alternative despite their complete lack of experience.
“Why not try it? I mean, we’re young and we’re able, why not take on a new business and see if you can make a go,” Jennifer said.
Then, while they were in Hawaii for the fateful trip that saw their daughter Reece’s premature birth, they received an intriguing email from a TV production company looking for a star for a new reality show about the trials of running a fishing lodge. Reece is now 14 months old and in good health. Jennifer declined to comment on the dispute with Saskatchewan Blue Cross.
They decided to hear the TV company out.
At first, the couple wasn’t sure they wanted to participate — they were already busy and the gig didn’t really pay, Jennifer said.
“We weren’t going to get involved in it at all, but we thought, ‘ What the heck, try anything once.’”
Being the subject of the show meant giving up already scarce personal time and despite becoming more comfortable on camera, Jennifer never really got used to it.
“I just hope people get some laughs and I guess they’ll get to see how much work goes into a fishing (lodge).”
Despite some tips from the former owners, the first year of operation was exhausting, Jennifer said.
The only path to success was through hard work and time, Jennifer said. Still, she considers the lodge a success and a great family business.
“It’s like anything — if you enjoy what you’re doing, then it makes up for the bad days.”
Nordic Lodge premieres Feb. 25 on City Saskatchewan.