The family of 11 who lost their Arras home to a March 13 fire is now days away from moving into a temporary rental home.
While the home was insured, the family did not have content insurance. Guy Grenier says the community has been incredible since the fire occurred, donating clothes and food.
“I want to say thanks to everybody because they didn’t have to help, but they did,” Grenier said.
Six children were in the house when the fire started, while three had already left for school. Everyone survived, but the family lost all personal belongings in the fire.
The family is currently staying in four different rooms at a Dawson Creek hotel. Grenier says the situation has been challenging, adding that he is looking forward to calling a new place home.
“Once we’re living in the same house, it will feel more normal. Just being able to actually sit together, watching TV, and being able to have fun as a family,” Grenier said.
Before they can move into the rental home, Grenier says he is still looking for basic household amenities, such as bunk beds for his children.
A GoFundMe page has been started to help the family rebuild and has raised $4,000 so far.
Grenier says he moved to the area from Vancouver three years ago and has noticed an incredible willingness to help in the North.
“In the three years that I’ve been here, the difference is massive. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” he said.
The family is planning to rebuild the house on their property once they are back on their feet.