Yard Sale Poster

Paul Latour is the founder of Hero Work, a program that inspires all sectors of community to come together and complete extreme renovations for non-profits who've been making a difference for years.

Never in his wildest dreams had he thought he'd be organizing extreme home makeovers. "The first one was done almost on a whim," he says. "I did it to help a friend in need." Then the power of friendship and community took hold. When the one-day event was over, a $25,000 reno was done.

It was as if his life had been orchestrated for the event. His skills as a waiter, writer, artist, editor, and speaker all coalesced into the ability to create a movement of inspired people and companies.

Ignited by making a radical difference, he did another makeover--this one five times bigger. A nongovernment funded charity--the Casa Maria Emergency Housing Society, who shelters refugee families--received a weekend extreme renovation worth upwards of a $100K.

A few of Hero Work's one hundred-plus business partners include: Castle Building Supply, Rona Home and Garden, Thrifty Foods, Six Mile Furniture, Garden City Landscaping, Maclean Lighting, and the Kitchen Technician. The program has been seen on Chek TV, A-Channel, the Times Colonist, Black Press, and Global TV.

"To make a radical difference doesn't take loads of money," Paul says. "It takes a good plan, inspired action, people-to-people connections, and a solid story."