Help Phyllis Rebuild Her Home

On May 12th, my grandmother, Phyllis Fabbi, lost her home on Denman Island to a catastrophic fire.

Grandma built her house in the mid-70s, every door, window, drawer and cupboard made with her own hands. Her life's work lived in that house: crafting, building, collecting, reading. Three generations of our family grew up in this beloved home and we're devastated that it's gone.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the incredible Denman Island Fire Rescue saved the small cabin behind the house. Phyllis currently has temporary housing on the island, but she’s desperate to return to her land and garden.

Unfortunately, Grandma did not have insurance on the house, so we’re asking our communities for support in bringing 84-year-old Phyllis back home. The next steps include clearing the fire-damaged site, replacing her essentials, and making the small cabin (which we call “the studio”) livable. This single-room building currently has no running water, bathroom, heat source, or proper insulation—so there’s a lot of work ahead.

Any support to help Phyllis rebuild and return home is deeply appreciated.

With love and gratitude,

The Fabbi-O'Neill's