It is hard to even know how to write this.

On Friday, our sister Jolanda and her husband, John, lost their home in Faulder to the fire.

They had barely any warning and only minutes to try to and leave. They were trying to hitch up their travel trailer and get their cats when they realized their property was already on fire, and there simply wasn’t time to take the trailer or rescue their one cat who bolted. They had to leave it all behind.

More than anything, we are just so incredibly thankful that they are safe, their house exploded shortly after they left. Things can be replaced. They can’t. But knowing that doesn’t make the loss of almost everything they own—and the home and property they have poured their hearts into building over the last 20 years—any less devastating.

This wasn’t just a house.

It was their family home. It was where their girls, Vayda and Tessa, grew up. It held 20 years of memories, ordinary days, celebrations, hard work, family dinners, holidays, and all the little pieces of a life that you never imagine having to leave behind in a matter of minutes.

They worked so hard for that home and property and put so much of themselves into it. Our hearts are absolutely broken for them.

If you are fortunate enough to know Jolanda and John, we don't have to tell you the kind of people they are.

They have the biggest hearts and are always the first people to step in and help someone else. They have given back to their Summerland (and Penticton) community in more ways than we could ever list. Jolanda cares so deeply for the students she works with and loves them so well. She is always going above and beyond.

Maybe you know them from the old Cake Box Bakery days, or you went to school with them in Summerland. Maybe you raised kids alongside them or cheered with them at the girls' team sports. Maybe you know them through work (Jolanda as an EA and John as a boilermaker) or pickleball, from getting sourdough from them, or from one of the countless events, teams and community things they have volunteered their time for over the years.

However you know them, chances are you already know how special they are.

Right now, they are facing both immediate needs after leaving with almost nothing, and the much bigger needs that will come in the weeks and months ahead—including finding and securing a rental home while they begin the overwhelming process of figuring out what comes next.

We are devastated that they are going through this. But we are also so thankful that, in the middle of something this awful, we have an opportunity to surround them with the same kind of love and generosity they have shown so many other people over the years.

They would never, ever want anyone to feel obligated to give. But we also know there are so many of us who love them and are asking what we can do.

This is one way we can help.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will go toward helping John and Jolanda with their immediate needs, finding a place to live, replacing the necessities they lost, and navigating the months ahead.

If you aren't able to give, sharing this means just as much.

We love you so much, Jolanda and John. We wish more than anything that I could undo what happened on Friday. Since we can't, we hope we can make what comes next just a little bit easier and remind you how many people are standing behind you.

Thank you, to everyone reading this, for loving them too.

Amie & Andy Wouda