In the heart of Cochrane’s Sunset Ridge community stands a home unlike any other, a home built with purpose, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to helping children in need. Homes for Hope, an initiative inspired by Sam and Suzanne Iaquinta with Castellano Homes, is more than just a custom-built $1.35 million home; it’s a beacon of hope for families who rely on the life-saving services of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

The Homes for Hope initiative was born from a deeply personal experience. When one of the Iaquinta’s twin boys was hospitalized with a severe lung infection, they witnessed firsthand the extraordinary care provided by both hospitals. Determined to give back, they launched Homes for Hope in 2013, with all proceeds from the sale of the home going directly to support the Pediatric Transport Teams at both hospitals, ensuring that no child in medical crisis is left without the urgent care they need.

“When you go through something like that as a parent, it changes you,” says Sam Iaquinta. “We wanted to do something that could make a real impact for families facing those terrifying moments. This home is our way of giving back.”

A Legacy of Giving

The Homes for Hope initiative first came to life in 2021 when the first home was built in King’s Heights, Airdrie. The proceeds from that project went to support the Paediatric Transport Team and Mental Health Care in children, and now, the legacy continues with this second home in Cochrane’s prestigious Pinnacle Estates at Sunset Ridge.

“The first Homes for Hope project showed us just how much of a difference a single home can make,” says Suzanne Iaquinta. “Now, we’re building on that foundation and continuing to help more families in need.”

A Community Effort

Bringing Homes for Hope to life was a true community effort, with 61 companies and 213 skilled trades specialists volunteering their time and expertise. Melcor Developments, the land developer for Sunset Ridge, played a key role in ensuring the home was built in a neighborhood designed for connection and belonging.

“At Melcor, we believe that great communities are more than just streets and houses—they’re places where people feel safe, supported, and connected,” says Graeme Melton, VP of Communities at Melcor Developments. “This initiative is a perfect example of what’s possible when people come together for a greater purpose.”

Sunset Ridge was recently voted Cochrane’s #1 Neighborhood, a testament to its welcoming atmosphere, stunning green spaces, and commitment to fostering community.

“As a mom of two, I know how important it is to have spaces where families can come together,” says Erin Cripps, Marketing Manager at Melcor. “Whether it’s the walking trails, bike paths, or the gorgeous pond, this community is designed to bring people closer—not just to each other, but to nature.”

Supporting Pediatric Transport Teams

The net proceeds from the sale of this Homes for Hope home will directly support the Pediatric Transport Teams at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary and the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. The teams travel across Alberta, parts of B.C., Saskatchewan and across the three territories to provide critical medical care to sick and injured children across Western Canada.

“We are truly grateful for Homes for Hope’s support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Critical Care Transport Team through this initiative,” says Liz Ballendine, Vice President Development, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Community support like this is what makes the Alberta Children’s Hospital world-class and helps experts provide the best life-saving, life-changing care to children, whenever and wherever they need it.”

“Each year the Stollery Children’s Hospital responds to more than 300,000 patient visits, with nearly 30 per cent of those patients coming from outside of the Edmonton area,” says Karen Faulkner, President & CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The Stollery’s transport team handles as many as 1,200 transports each year. Through the ongoing support from Homes for Hope and Castellano Homes, we’re making sure kids from across Alberta and beyond get access to the specialized care they need, when they need it.”

Join Us for the Open House on March 18, 2025

The Homes for Hope showhome, located at 25 Sunvalley View SW in Pinnacle Estates, Sunset Ridge, will open its doors to the public for a special open house event on March 18, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Come tour this incredible home, meet Sam and Suzanne Iaquinta and Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung. Enjoy food and refreshments, and bring the kids—every child will receive a special teddy bear!

How You Can Help

This is more than just a house—it’s a home with a mission. Every visitor, every conversation, and every person who helps spread the word brings Homes for Hope closer to changing lives.

“Tell your family, tell your friends—this is more than just a home; it’s a chance to make a difference,” says Mayor Jeff Genung. “Cochrane is a town built on community spirit, and this initiative shows the power of what we can accomplish when we come together.”

Because when you buy this home, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re making a difference.