If you’ve got kids of your own or are always up for a feel-good story, be sure to tune into season two of TVO’s Giver, which begins airing Wednesdays at 6:30pm on April 30th (repeating Saturdays at 2pm). We caught up with host Michael Lagimodiere to find out more about the show that truly gives back – by giving Canadian kids the opportunity to build playgrounds for their communities – and his life on and off set.
Tell us about yourself. What should people know?
When I’m not hosting TVO’s Giver, which is a building show for kids, I’m working on my own projects as both a designer and contractor. Most recently I’m turning storage containers into livable spaces. And of course being a Dad to my two beautiful daughters, Olive and Charlotte, and husband to my wife, writer/actor Allana Harkin.
What have been some the most inspiring moments of filming Giver so far?
The reveal to the community when we open the playground. It’s amazing listening to the kids talk about how proud they are of themselves and how they never thought they could accomplish something so great in such little time.
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What have been some of the most impressive themes for playgrounds that kids have dreamed up thus far?
Two-storey tall slide; a clubhouse with an elevator and an ice-cream machine; zip-lines… always… everywhere; a big dragon that you could crawl up with a ladder and enter its mouth and slide down inside its body and come out its tail; a gnome village; a circular saw teeter-totter (we made it – it was safe!)… The list goes on!
Has any child from the series gifted you with words of youthful wisdom?
Don’t fart in the tube slide.
Have your travels with the show introduced you to any parts of Ontario that you now love?
So many, but if I to pick one, Port Hope, north of the 401: Beautiful countryside, rolling, wooded, lots of trails… great people.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…when I moved here from Quebec I was introduced to so many new people that it furthered my passion for design and building. I’ve worked on everything from special effects, to high-end renovations, to commercial builds and now playgrounds. I also never imagined I’d being a TV host – Toronto has offered me so many opportunities.
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What’s your favourite restaurant?
Tacos El Asador on Bloor Street by Christie Pitts. I dream about their chicken burritos and fish tacos in the middle of the day.
What are three things you can’t live without?
The internet, my motorcycle, and my family.
Let’s get social for a moment. How can people say up to date with your busy life?
You can follow myself and the show on Facebook, and I’m on Twitter.
Check out the Giver trailer for season two below!
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