At 70 years old, Larry never imagined he would have to start over.

Larry has lived in the Kentwood community of Red Deer, Alberta, and has spent his life working hard and taking care of himself. He is still working today in construction for a local company he has been with for an incredible 30 years.

Recently, Larry’s life changed in an instant when a fire of unknown cause devastated his home.

Thankfully, Larry made it out safely. But the fire has left his home severely damaged, and right now, he doesn’t know whether it can be saved. To make an already devastating situation even more difficult, Larry did not have house insurance, which means there is no insurance coverage to help repair or replace what he has lost.

At this point, there are still more questions than answers.

A structural engineer will be assessing Larry’s home to determine whether any of it can be salvaged or whether he will need to find somewhere new to live entirely. In the meantime, Larry is working with the Native Friendship Centre in Red Deer to apply for housing assistance while he figures out what comes next.

At 70 years old, after a lifetime of working, this is an incredibly difficult position to suddenly find yourself in.

We are starting this GoFundMe to give Larry some stability while the pieces are being sorted out. Funds raised will help with his immediate needs, temporary or future housing, clothing and personal necessities, replacing essential belongings, cleanup and recovery costs, and whatever comes next once the condition of his home is known.

We don’t yet know whether Larry’s next chapter will mean rebuilding his home or beginning again somewhere new. What we do know is that he shouldn’t have to face it alone.

Larry has spent 30 years showing up to work for the same local company and being part of this community. Now we’re hoping our community can show up for him.

No donation is too small. Every contribution will help give Larry a little more security during an incredibly uncertain time. And if you aren’t able to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser can make an enormous difference.

Thank you to everyone who donates, shares, reaches out, or offers support.

A fire can take a home in a matter of minutes. Rebuilding a life takes much longer. With a community behind him, we hope Larry won’t have to do it alone.