Braden Pettinger's family is selling a new home near Souris to support the paralyzed hockey player and his parents.
The project has been a labour of love for Tyson Pettinger, Braden's first cousin and Braden's uncle, Rob. The professional builders constructed the house themselves with the help of donations from the local community.
The 20-year-old Portage Terriers player was paralyzed in a game Nov. 12, 2015 when he fell into the boards. He was paralyzed from the chest down, and remains in hospital undergoing occupational therapy.
“When we got the news you think, there's nothing you can do, but you try,” said Tyson Pettinger, Braden's first cousin.
“Braden’s House” is a three-bedroom, open-concept house near Elgin. It’s listed on the market for $107,500.
Construction began in March. The pair finished the house in May. It can be transported and fitted with a basement.
Tyson and Braden grew up next door to one another. Pettinger comes from a family of four boys, while Tyson has a brother and a sister. He said because Braden is youngest, everyone looked out for him.
All the money raised from the house will go to Braden and his parents. Tyson said Braden has a long road to recovery and there are lots of expenses.
"It's for whatever they need," said Tyson.
“We’re a building a home one step at a time, just like it's one step at time for Braden towards recovery,” said Braden’s uncle Rob.
After Christmas, Tyson wrote letters to area-businesses about the project. When the community learned about the home, people stepped up, offering discounts, donating supplies and stopping by to help in any way possible.
“You feel compelled to jump in,” said Marlow Kirton with Rona J and G Group in Brandon, who helped supply the flooring and countertops. “Braden is like everyone's son … This could have been any one of us contending with a son like this.”
Tyson and Rob aren't done their construction work for Braden. The pair will soon begin renovating Braden's childhood home to make it wheelchair accessible and ready to come home.
The Pettinger family says Braden is in good spirits and working hard on his recovery.
