Disaster Strikes: Help Gene, Ellie, Dawn, Timber, and River Rebuild After Devastating Fire

The early morning of November 1st, our community suffered a devastating loss. Our wonderful neighbours—Gene, Ellie, and their daughter Dawn—who have been fixtures on our Road for years, lost their entire home, all their possessions, and critical acreage infrastructure in a sudden and horrific house fire. Thankfully, they, along with their beloved pups Timber and River, are safe, but the trauma and loss is immense.

The sheer devastation is unimaginable. In just a few hours, decades of memories, essential belongings, their safe haven, and the tools they used for living off the land were completely erased. They are left with absolutely nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

You might know Gene and Ellie as the quiet, private family, but if you’ve ever stopped for a moment, you know they are the kindest souls—always ready for a warm wave and a friendly chat. They are rooted in this community and dedicated to their acreage. They are now faced with the crushing task of picking up the pieces, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

The Urgency: Cold Weather is Here

As the temperatures in our area begin to drop, the need for immediate assistance for the family and their pets is critical. They are currently looking for a place for the winter, without warm clothing, and without the basic necessities we all take for granted. Furthermore, they have lost all the essential equipment, supplies, and tools they used to maintain their self-sufficient way of life on the acreage.

The road to rebuilding will be long and emotionally exhausting. They need our help now to secure safe, temporary housing and to cover emergency expenses.

Your donation will go directly towards:

• Immediate Shelter: Covering the cost of a rental or temporary living situation as they navigate planning the next steps.

• Essential Needs: Replacing clothing, toiletries, prescription medication, glasses, as well as necessary supplies for the dogs Timber and River.

• Rebuilding Fund & Infrastructure: Providing a foundation to start the complex, costly process of rebuilding and replacing the tools and supplies vital to their acreage and off-the-land lifestyle.

Let’s Help Them Stand Back Up

Please consider donating whatever you can to help Gene, Ellie, and Dawn get back on their feet and provide stability for their pups. If you can’t donate, sharing this story with your network is an enormous help.

They have simply being steady, kind neighbours for so many years. Let’s show them the full power of neighbourhood support in their darkest hour.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.