Last night, Joelle and her husband were given just 35 minutes to leave Summerland with their three young children, ages 3, 6 and 8, as the wildfire threatened their home.

Thirty-five minutes to decide what you can fit into a vehicle.

Thirty-five minutes to gather your children, your family, and whatever belongings you can possibly grab.

Thirty-five minutes to leave behind the life you have built.

As they were making their escape, Joelle’s last image of their home was her father-in-law opening the gates of the corrals so the horses could have a chance to flee the fire.

They got out.

Then, from the road, they watched as the flames took over their home.

They lost everything.

Joelle and her family were renting their home, and unfortunately, they are now facing the unimaginable task of starting over from the ground up. They are currently making their way to Red Deer, with little more than the clothes on their backs and the few belongings they were able to grab in those precious minutes.

For a family with three young children, the needs are immediate and overwhelming.

There is gas to get them where they need to go. There is food to put on the table. There are clothes for growing children. There are toiletries, medications, temporary accommodations, school necessities, and eventually the countless everyday things that we often take for granted; things like dishes, bedding, shoes, coats, and a place to call home.

When you lose everything in a matter of minutes, even the smallest things become big things.

I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of my friend Simone Ladd's daughter Joelle and her family, to help ease some of the financial burden they are facing right now.

Their family has already been through something no one should ever have to experience.

My hope is that we can surround them with the same kindness, generosity, and love that they will need as they begin rebuilding their lives.

If you are able to donate, any amount will help. Whether it is $10, $20, $50, or whatever you can comfortably give, it can help provide food, fuel, clothing, and basic necessities while they figure out what comes next.

And if you aren't in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. You never know who may see it and be able to help.

Right now, this family doesn't need to have everything figured out.

They just need to know they aren't alone.

Let's help Joelle, her husband, and their beautiful little family take their first steps toward rebuilding.

Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and keeping this family in your thoughts, and prayers. Every act of kindness matters. ❤️