When Capt. Trevor Greene returned to Canada after being seriously wounded in Afghanistan, he and his family had nowhere to stay while he underwent rehabilitation in Vancouver.
Greene, who was struck in the head with an axe, will officially open Honour House in New Westminster at 2 p.m. today.
Honour House president and former Vancouver parks commissioner Allan DeGenova said the building will be “a home away from home” for injured soldiers, first responders (ambulance, fire, and police) and their families as they undergo medical treatment in Metro Vancouver.
In addition to offering temporary housing, Honour House’s supportive environment will help residents recover from trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder.
Today’s opening is “a reality for everyone who thought it was just a dream,” said DeGenova.
Two years ago, now-retired Canadian general Rick Hillier gave DeGenova a coin, challenging him to build the house.
Now that coin will go up on the wall in the new facility, symbolizing the challenge met.
