Families of the Wright Road Fires in Sooke, BC

On February 13, 2021, a devastating house fire occurred taking a whole duplex and two families were affected leaving them and their pets homeless. Paul and Juanita Stedmon had been living in that house with their 2 dogs (Bailey and Kahlua) for 19 years raising both their children. Tara and Peter Kenmare had been living in that house for 12 years with their 3 children (Beth 18, Alida 15, Eric 13) and 4 cats (Toots, Millie, Puddles, and Jellybean). Fortunately, both families and all of the fur babies survived the fire.

Paul and Juanita have been together for 28 years and moved to Sooke 21 years ago, and started their life in Sooke at Mom’s Café. Currently, Paul works as a Power Engineer, operator, and maintains boilers in Alberta, and Juanita is one of the smiling faces we see at Shoppers Drug Mart. They both are caring and giving people, selfless helping out neighbours, friends, and family when they can. Paul unfortunately was working in Alberta when the fire occurred and has made is way back to Sooke for the short term until things get settled for him and his family, and has to return back for work. Fortunately, they had both Homeowner’s and Content Insurance when the fire had occurred

Tara and Peter have been together for 19 years, and Peter and his family have been part of the Sooke Community since 1996. Tara and Peter are extremely active members of the community. Tara was involved with Parents Advisory Council (PAC) at Saseenos Elementary for 15 years, spearheading many projects around the school, and has spent countless hours of fundraising for the school. She is an Executive Member of Sooke Options for Community Living Association (SOCLA), which is an organization that offers and supports members of the community with Developmental disabilities, including Autism support. She was an integral member of Sooke scouts for 6 years rebuilding the Beaver Colony but left in 2020 to focus on her family. Currently, she is helping once a week with an injured member of the community taking their dogs' on adventures. Peter was also a Member of Sooke Scouts for 6 years rebuilding the Beaver Colony and Cub Pack. He was the Archery Program Lead for Camp Barnard. He was a volunteer supporting Pacific Jamboree 2019 and program lead for Archery. He left Scouting in 2020 as well. Their oldest daughter Beth is an accomplished artist and child book illustrator, Alida works with the boys and girls Club of Canada, mentoring and supporting at-risk youth. The Kenmare Family is always giving to others and giving back to the community in whatever way they can.

Working with both families, and with the consent of both families, we have elected to do a joint GoFundMe and which will allow for both families to work together to rebuild their lives. We are hoping to raise $150,000 for both families to share. This is to allow for incidentals, rent of new lodgings, care for their animals, medical care such as therapy (not covered by MSP), and to replace items that were lost in the fire. 

We understand that the past year has been exceedingly difficult for everyone, with the restrictions of COVID-19, the lockdowns,and loss of employment, but we are hoping that as a community we can join together, to assist the wonderful and selfless families. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support and understanding.