SUNDAY OCTOBER 26 UPDATE:

We are so pleased and humbled to share that in 24hrs we have raised over $6000 of our $7000 goal! Thank you to everyone who donated, big or small, shared the fundraiser, and quickly jumped into high gear putting together donations of clothing and essential items for the family. Peter and Emily are beyond humbled by the care and generosity of so many members of the community stepping up to help out. It is hard to find words to express the volume and sincerity of our gratitude. Thank you.

The family has received many donations so far, including clothing for each family member and winter jackets. These are the items still needed that can be dropped off at the Michelin Social Club during open hours OR my parents house in Cambridge at 1001 Cambridge road. If no one is home at my parents house, donations can be left at the front door under the overhang to keep it dry and out of the rain.

Clothing:

- Men’s pants size medium or 30 waist 32 length

- Boys pants size 7 and 8

Footwear including sneakers, winter boots, and slippers:

- boys youth 1 and 2

- Women’s 7,8,9 and 10

- Men’s 10.5 or 11

Please keep sharing the GoFundMe with your communities so that we can reach our goal in time to get this family cozily clothed and warmly housed before the snow flies. Any amount is greatly appreciated. A million thank yous!

Donations can still be sent directly to the family via EMT at emily desroche (one word) at gmail dot com (no spaces)

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ORIGINAL POST:

Hello, my name is Melanie DesRoche. Last night on the evening of October 24, 2025 my big brother Peter DesRoche, his wife Emily DesRoche, their 4 kids, and 3 kitties lost their home in a house fire in Centreville, Nova Scotia. We are raising money to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible. Thank you for your support.

Peter, when he is not happily fulfilling his role as kindest, most patient, best Dad ever, is working long hours on the production line at Michelin doing shift work where he’s worked full time for the past 12 years. You will often find him working overtime to support his brightly beautiful family and their many dreams and endeavours, including the many trips, bows, and carpooling involved in supporting their 13yo daughter Aliza’s greatest passion and clear calling: cheer, where she participates in Kentville and Windsor. Aliza and her big sister, 15yo devoted animal lover and artist Lexi, both attend NKEC school in Canning.

When Emily is not home loving on her incredible 4 kiddos and baking the best cookies, cakes, and cheesecakes known to man, you will find her at the school her two young sons’, 9yo Connor and 7yo Jack attend, Aldershot Elementary, cooking up snacks and lunches in the kitchen for all the local schoolchildren.

This family is so special. If you are fortunate enough to personally know Peter, Emily, or any or all of their 4 kids, you recognize each and every one of their fearless, lion sized hearts and unequivocal ability to love and accept everyone around them. Until my nieces and nephews came into my life, I did not realize how such brave, huge, warm, glowing, all-encompassing love could come from such little people in tiny bodies. Their love is truly larger than life, something priceless and invaluable taught to them by their parents that they will carry proudly with them their whole life.

This family has already had their share of trials and tribulations, and through it all they stick together, overcoming each and every one of their unique challenges and growing closer and stronger than ever before, embodying the truest definition of love, devotion, and most of all: family.

The fire has devastated our entire family as we watched firefighters through the busted out picture window in the living room tear at the ceiling and walls to extinguish any remaining fire and hot spots. Lexi and Aliza were home and narrowly escaped the fire that started in their living room and quickly fully engulfed their family couch.

The girls were smart and acted fast, quickly grabbed their cats and ran to the neighbours for help, to call 911. Aliza actually ran back inside the burning home to save their third and final new baby kitten, Whisky.

Peter and Emily had taken the boys to a Trunk or Treat where they received the dreadful call, immediately rushing home to find the place they’ve called home for the last 9 years burnt to black, surrounded by the overwhelming noise and flashing emergency lights, crowd of fire trucks and emergency personnel.

Beyond anything else, we are grateful and blessed that everyone is safe and no one was hurt in the fire. The family is overwhelmed with love and support from their evergrowing village of loved ones and could not be more grateful.

It is currently unknown if anything inside the home is salvageable and due to the severity of the fire, we suspect the entire house will need to be tore down and rebuilt.

Thank you to the firefighters and first responders who responded so promptly and quickly put the fire out.

Please keep the DesRoche family in your prayers, donate if you are able to, and share the fundraiser widely to your communities. Again, thank you so much for your generosity and support.

Donations can be sent directly to the family through EMT to emily desroche (one word) at gmail dot com (no spaces)