In an act of community-focused generosity, a Sunbury landscaping business will complete two free backyard makeovers for deserving local families.
An initiative of Love It Landscaping, the giveaway was initially intended to be a $30,000 backyard makeover for one family.
After plenty of support from local businesses, suppliers, and trades, the giveaway was expanded to two renovations valued at over $100,000 for two family homes.
The first was completed on Friday, February 28, at the home of the Diggers Rest-based Dornbruch family, converting the yard into an accessible play area for six-year-old child Kai, who has a rare genetic disorder.
Previously inaccessible for Kai and preventing him from playing with his brother Archer outdoors, the upgrades included levelling out the yard to make it safe and constructing a basketball court that doubles as a water sensory play area.
The backyard makeover was performed while the family was gifted a surprise week away at accommodation in Torquay as part of the giveaway.
Mother Lauren Dornbruch said she was in “utter disbelief” when they arrived home – especially considering the yard’s former state.
“When I looked into the blank space I couldn’t envision anything … for them to come in the four days that they did and literally turn it upside down and make it accessible particularly for Kai, it was unreal,” Ms Dornbruch said.
“It sounds so cliché, but it’s really changed our lives … I’m literally lost for words when I try and explain my gratitude for them.”
Ms Dornbruch said that as she works in a role involving children of all abilities, the yard can also be used by other local children who would benefit from the accessible design.
The company also installed a memorial plaque and egg chair to commemorate Ms Dornbruch’s father, who was also a landscaper.
Love It Landscaping director Troy Lovett said the initiative was formed from a desire to give back to a family in need, where he put a callout on social media for suggestions from the community.
“It was a good feeling to have and it’s nice … to be in a position where you can give back and be able to change people’s lives,” Mr Lovett said.
The second backyard to receive a makeover in April will be that of a Sunbury mother who has stage 4 breast cancer, with the redesign aiming to create a place for she and her children to make memories.
