It was with heavy hearts that we watched Shanel and Rob’s home burn down…

They bought their first home four years ago, full of dreams and plans. After moving from Calgary to Creston, BC, they began their homesteading journey, excited to put down roots. It was the perfect place to call home—until it wasn’t.

Soon after moving in, their health began to decline—both theirs and their two dogs, Doja and Chai. It wasn’t until they started a simple bathroom renovation that they discovered the truth: the house was full of mold. Hidden behind the walls, it had silently spread throughout the entire structure.

Tests confirmed their worst fear—the mold was so extensive that remediation wasn’t possible. Spores were found up to 10 feet away from the house. Even the cherries on the tree beside the home were covered in mold. The home was condemned, and no one could enter without protective gear.

For the past two years, Shanel and Rob have lived in temporary housing—trailers, tiny homes, house-sitting—while trying to figure out how to move forward. It’s been emotionally and financially devastating.

With the help of the Creston Fire Department, their home was recently burned down as part of a controlled training exercise, marking both an end and a new beginning.

Now, they’re committed to rebuilding—with their own hands and hearts. But it’s a long road ahead, and they can’t do it alone.

They’ve faced overwhelming medical bills, hardship, and heartbreak. That’s why I’m reaching out to my community—to friends, family, and kind strangers who can help support their dream of building a safe, healthy home.

If you feel called to help, please consider donating to their GoFundMe. Every bit brings them closer to home again.

Thank you for your love and support—it means more than you know.