My sister Wendy's house fire

On August 31, I was relaxing at home when my phone rang. I saw it was my sister, Wendy Francis. I cheerfully answered and Wendy sobbed, "My condo building is on fire!" I rushed the short distance, imagining a small fire, but when I arrived three fire trucks were pouring water on the structure which was well ablaze. We watched helplessly as all of Wendy's possessions went up in smoke. Wendy had nothing but the clothes on her back and the cell phone she had grabbed to call 911.
Fortunately, everyone got out safely. Unfortunately, seven other units were also damaged, but Wendy's, where the fire started, was one of the worst. Firefighters fought the flames all night, but the building was severely damaged.
Wendy is one of the most conscientious persons I know. She has been awarded a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canada's environment. I was so happy when she decided to make Gibsons her home last year. She lost a lifetime of photographs from travels around the world, family heirlooms, personal treasures, books, computers, in short, everything tangible from a life well lived.
Of course, she was insured, but insurance will fall far short of her costs. She will be out of her home for a year or more while it is rebuilt. During that time she will have to pay rent as well as her mortgage. By the time she moves back in, much of her insurance money will have been spent on living expenses and she will have to re-furnish an empty condo. A fundraiser has been held at the Gibson's Legion for all the victims of the fire, but will not be enough for Wendy to get back on her feet when she gets to move back to her home. People have been generous, but right now Wendy is in transition and the real need will be when she can go home.
Over the next year, I hope to raise $20,000 to help Wendy to furnish her condo and acquire the things that will support her in continuing to live a productive and contributing life in our community.