Local business owners Julie and Robert Bise have an idea for a Christmas project, and they need readers? help.
They’re looking for a veteran who has perhaps recently returned from tours of duty in Afghanistan or Iraq, in need of a wheelchair ramp at home. They’ll build and install the ramp for free.
“We have just been blessed with our lives and our business,” said Julie, who founded the Great Lakes Barrier Free Remodeling business in 2012. “We’d really like to share some of the goodness we’ve received.”
Located in Davisburg, they want to hear from someone in the community who is or knows a wounded veteran in need of a wheelchair ramp. They will choose the recepient from the responses they receive based on need.
The team of medical professionals and licensed builders help families in need and charities such as Lighthouse every year for Christmas.
This year, they decided to help a veteran.
“These are men and women who have sacrificed so much,” Julie said.
The family-owned, Springfield Township business has helped veterans before, including a man who was discharged 25 years ago and needed a ramp, but didn’t meet criteria for federal assistance.
“We were able to help him,” Julie said. “That’s what we want to do now.”
Also, an employee of six years, Tim Terry, is a sergeant in the 1460th Transportation Company of the National Guard and recently returned from duty overseas.
“He served two tours in Afghanistan ? that really hits home,” said Robert, who founded Great Lakes Insurance Restorations in 2000. “This is a way to give back to veterans.”
“I’m proud, happy to be a part of it,” said Jay Bise, their son. “I’m honored to do something for them.”
The plan is to complete the project in one day, with help from the entire staff and lumber donated by Home Depot.
Julie, a registered nurse who worked at St. Joe’s for 23 years in Pontiac, was inspired to build a business providing mobility assistance, such as ramps, bathroom safety, and home modifications, by her mother, the late Nancy Johnson, who used a wheelchair because of a spinal cord injury.
“She met every obstacle you could meet ? even a step is detrimental to someone in a wheelchair,” Julie said.
Email entries by Nov. 19 to juliebise@greatlakesrestore.com. For more information, call 800-354-7545.