When we launched the Home Grown Hero Contest, we asked our guests to nominate someone who makes a meaningful difference in their community. We intentionally kept the definition of “hero” open-ended because we know heroes come in many forms. We wanted to celebrate the full spectrum of incredible Canadians we’re proud to serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch to every day.
The response far exceeded our expectations.
Guests shared inspiring stories of a personal trainer who helps gym-shy women build confidence one step at a time, a fire watcher in Rocky Mountain House who dedicates six months of the year to protecting the land and surrounding communities, a teacher who consistently puts her students’ happiness and success first, and many other quiet leaders who make a lasting impact behind the scenes.
With so many powerful nominations, we found it incredibly difficult to choose just one winner.
Meet Our 2026 Home Grown Hero: Phil Alain
We selected Phil Alain, Founder of Amy’s House, as this year’s Home Grown Hero. He founded Amy’s House in honour of the life and legacy of his wife, Amy Alain.
In May 2018, at just 37 years old, Amy, a mother of two, devoted wife to Phil Alain, ultra-runner, triathlete, and fitness instructor, received a diagnosis of stage 3B non-small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer. The news shocked everyone who knew her. Amy lived with remarkable health, energy, and determination.
Amy responded by raising awareness and challenging the misconception that lung cancer only affects smokers. She launched her Lunges for Lung Cancer campaign and committed to doing lunges every day for eight months, even while receiving treatment in the hospital, sharing one powerful message:
“If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer.”
During her treatment, Amy met many patients who travelled long, exhausting distances to Edmonton for radiation and chemotherapy. She saw the emotional, physical, and financial strain these journeys placed on families already facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
Inspired by those experiences, Amy envisioned a welcoming home where out-of-town cancer patients and their loved ones could stay during treatment, a true home away from home.
Amy passed away on February 22, 2019, but her vision continued.
On September 28, 2019, what would have been her 39th birthday, the first Amy’s House opened. A second home followed in May 2023, and today three homes stand side by side, offering comfort, support, and community to families when they need it most.
Amy’s House represents more than accommodation; it brings Amy’s dream to life and stands as a lasting testament to her compassion, resilience, and commitment to helping others. Her legacy continues in every family who walks through its doors.
Thank You to Everyone Who Participated
To everyone who submitted a nomination, thank you. Your stories moved us, inspired us, and reminded us of the quiet acts of kindness that shape our communities.
While Phil Alain received this year’s Home Grown Hero title, every nominee reinforced the same truth, kindness creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can see.
The next time you want to upgrade breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, crack an egg into simmering water and enjoy one of the simplest yet most satisfying cooking techniques in the kitchen. You’ll have to keep coming back to us for the hollondaise, though!
