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Photo by Greg Pender / The StarPhoenix

Kerry Neufeld, a third-generation entrepreneur, runs a pair of Warman-based construction companies, Neufeld Building Movers Inc. and Canadian Basement Replacements Inc.

He heard about Lienlaf’s plight from a common friend, who had played on a soccer team the Chilean coached before his diagnosis, and was struck by the thought that he could — and should — help.

“My dad lost the use of his legs, his ability to walk, the last couple years of his life … That’s the one wish he had, to walk, and it always just broke my heart to see that,” Neufeld said.

“When (my friend) said this guy was healthy and then this disease took his ability to walk away, I thought, ‘(Maybe) we can help out and this guy can get some freedom, at least get out of his house and get mobile.'”

Earlier this week, Canadian Basement Replacement workers poured a wide sidewalk and a concrete pad designed to accommodate a wheelchair lift outside Lienlaf’s home.

Photo by Greg Pender / The StarPhoenix

Neufeld said while the project took two employees a full day and probably cost his company “a few thousand dollars,” making Lienlaf’s life easier was more important than any lost profit.

“I just feel blessed,” he said. “I feel fortunate that I have the ability to even help a guy like that. I don’t need a pat on the back or anything like that. I like to see the smile on his face, you know?”

Next week, a crew from Golden Mobility and Rehab Ltd. will install a wheelchair lift — which was provided by an anonymous donor — that should allow Lienlaf to venture out without assistance.

Lienlaf said the generosity of Neufeld and his other unnamed benefactor could transform his world, expanding it beyond the four walls of his house for the first time in years.

“We were trying to figure out how we were going to get the money to do all this stuff,” Lienlaf said.“I was surprised, but you know what? Saskatoon’s always been a good place. People care about other people. It’s one of the reasons I love Saskatoon.”

amacpherson@postmedia.com

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