Hooray! We finally finished the Lois Hole Family Room at the Zebra Centre. This was by far one of the most challenging rooms I've ever designed. The Family Room is primarily used for ages 12 through 16 to watch their interview videos, discuss their cases with prosecutors and a special place to just hang out. When Barb (the director of the centre) and I first sat down to discuss the needs she told me the sky was the limit but it had to appeal to the teenagers both male and female and be welcoming enough for adults. Hmmm... That's a lot to ask for in a room that's only 15 x 10 feet!

I needed to think outside the box. I needed a solution for a multi purpose room that was age appropriate and gender neutral. After spending long hours sourcing, taking photographs and building story boards for different ideas, Barb chose the urban theme I proposed.  After weeks of waiting for custom built shelves and art work, my team and I started working on the transformation last week, completing it on Thursday.

It's hard to see (literally impossible in the photo) but I had a local sign shop custom make me about 50 special words. The vinyl is clear adding only a shine to the painted surface. The great part is that as you enter the room it isn't noticeable but as you move the light catches the words and makes you discover what exactly it says. All of the words are inspiration for the teens - courage, strength, trust, love, compassion and so on.

This room was a challenge and a pleasure to create for such a deserving and truly courageous group of kids. I received a beautiful email from Barb the day after it was complete:

Good Morning Donna

Well - what can I say about the family support room?  EVERYONE LOVES IT!!!  ...oh my God; you are kidding me; it is beautiful, what an amazing space; is she a designer?; where did you find her?  are some of the reactions YOUR room received this morning.

Thank you so very much.

I didn't take on this project and volunteer my time or my teams for any other reason than to give back to my community and to inspire the kids. Receiving such a great email was unexpected and only the tip of the ice berg of what Barb had planned. She invited me to join her and her team this past Saturday at The Edmonton Golf and Country Club. My company along with about 50 other businesses and volunteers where honored that night. It was amazing!

Giving isn't about getting back - it's a selfless act of compassion, love and respect for others. I love what I do and knowing that the Zebra Centre is that much more inviting for the kids who need protection makes me smile inside and out! That's all any of us need now isn't it!

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