On April 22nd in Grand Forks, BC, my parents, Tony and Sandi Bennett, lost everything.

A sudden windstorm knocked over a tree, bringing down a power line that sparked a fire. Within moments, their home—built with years of sacrifice, hard work, and love—was completely destroyed. There is nothing left. Just ash.

This wasn’t just a house.

It was six years of my dad’s life—every summer, sun up to sun down—pouring everything he had into building and renovating a home for his family.

My dad, Tony, has worked in trades and construction his entire life. He left school early to provide, and he’s never stopped. Often working 16-hour days, doing whatever it takes to “git er done” and give his family a better life.

Sandi, is the heart of our family. She raised three kids on her own before meeting my dad—one of them deaf, another who battled cancer twice. She’s faced more than most, and through it all, she’s remained strong, loving, and full of life. If you know her, you know her laugh—it’s unforgettable.

Right now, she’s recovering from a total knee replacement and preparing for a hip replacement. My dad has been by her side through it all, while still working tirelessly to support them.

In just 15 minutes, they lost:

* Their home—completely gone

* Their dog, Saber, a rescue my dad found and brought home from a job site

* Two vehicles, including my dad’s restored Chevy Fargo—his pride and joy—and his Harley Davidson

* All of my dad’s construction tools—his livelihood

* Family heirlooms, and the remains from our late grandfather and grandmother

* Every photo, every memory

* Passports, documents, and their entire life savings

They’re left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

To make things even harder, they were in the process of re-insuring the home and there was no policy in place at the time of the fire.

Right now, they are staying in a motel, trying to process the unimaginable.

And still—my dad says he’s going to rebuild. From the ground up.

If you know Tony, you know he means it.

But the reality is… they are now facing the unimaginable task of starting over from nothing at 60 and 66 years old.

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How You Can Help:

We are raising $15,000 (or more) to help Tony and Sandi get through this immediate crisis.

Funds will go toward:

* Temporary housing

* Basic necessities (clothing, food, essentials)

* Replacing critical items

* And eventually, helping my dad begin rebuilding what was lost

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Final Note:

If you’re able to donate, even a small amount makes a difference.

If you can’t, please consider sharing this. That alone helps more than you know.

My parents have spent their entire lives giving to others, working hard, and pushing through every challenge thrown their way.

Now, they need a little help from their community to get back on their feet.

Thank you for your support ❤️

- The Bennett / Washburn Family