Three families lost their homes and all their belongings in a house fire on Huston Street recently. That’s the bad news.
The good news is no one was injured in the blaze, and all the events that unfolded afterwards.
After reporting the situtation on our website and Facebook page, calls and messages to help poured into the Tribune office, with many donors at our door first thing the next morning offering donations and asking what was needed. This outpouring of support and genuine care for the fire victims didn’t just stop after a day but has continued on with people delivering chairs, beds, dressers, blankets, food, clothing and cash donations for the victims to us, other businesses and directly to those in need.
Jessica Chenier and Christopher Lee Hawkins, who lost their own home and all their belongings in the Fort McMurray fire last spring, were among the first to reach out because they said they knew what it felt like to lose it all. Others also called to see how they could best help because they too also knew what it felt like to be homeless.
We live in such a compassionate, caring community. Sometimes when we are all busy living our harried, scheduled lives we can forget to look up and see those in need around us. But when it’s time to jump into action you can be sure there is no community more caring and willing to help than ours.
We were reminded of our city’s generousity this week and extend our own heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and businesses who stepped up to help these very appreciative families from the fire.
Any unused donated items will be passed on to Wayne Lucier, our homeless outreach worker, who connects much needed donations with the needy.
– Williams Lake Tribune