It is with deep sadness that we are sharing the news that my brother, Greg, his wife, Lacey, and their two children, Amelia (12) and Archer (10), have lost their family home in the devastating wildfire that swept through Summerland Friday afternoon, destroying numerous homes and evacuating the entire community.

They had just 15 minutes to grab what they could before evacuating. They were able to get out safely and are currently staying at our family cabin with their trailer. They are safe, and that is what matters most, but they are still in shock and trying to process the reality of what has happened.

What makes this loss even more heartbreaking is that they had only just purchased their home last November. Over the past nine months, they poured so much time, love and hard work into making it their own — working on the house, creating their yard and garden, setting up their workspace, and most of all, building a home for their family. They had also recently welcomed new animals and were creating a life and a place they were so proud of. In just one night, the home they had worked so hard to create, along with the memories they had only just begun making there, was taken from them.

In the space of just a few hours, they lost their home and almost everything they owned. They now face a long road ahead, with so many unknowns about where they will live, what they will need, and how they will begin putting their lives back together.

I have created this GoFundMe to help Greg, Lacey, Amelia and Archer with the immediate necessities and the many unexpected costs that come with starting over — clothing, shoes, food, school supplies, and eventually rebuilding a sense of home and stability for their family.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small and every contribution will make a difference. If you aren’t in a position to donate financially, there are still so many ways to help. Clothing, shoes, gift cards, or simply sharing this fundraiser with others would mean so much to our family.

We are incredibly grateful that they are safe, and we are so thankful for the love and support already being shown to them.

Our hearts are with Greg, Lacey, Amelia and Archer, as well as all of the families and individuals whose lives have been turned upside down by this devastating wildfire.

Thank you for helping our family through this unimaginable time. ❤️