Not many can imagine what it would be like to have their house burn down. But for one local family, that nightmare has become a devastating reality.
In the early morning of Feb. 15, Justin Graham and his two children, ages 11 and nine, lost their Beaverdam-area home and all of their belongings to a fire. While the family wasn’t home at the time, their beloved dog Tikka was unable to be rescued.
Georgina Graham, Justin’s mother, was the first person on scene. She rushed to the house after seeing the flames, and attempted to help as much as she could.
“I went in and tried to save the dog. I went in twice actually, and both times I couldn’t see, I couldn’t breath,” Graham recalled. “For me, that was probably the hardest part of it. It was pretty devastating.”
Now, family and friends are rallying together to provide support and raise much-needed funds to help them get back on their feet.
This Saturday (March 17) a benefit dance and silent auction is being held at the Riverhurst Community Hall, with all proceeds going to Justin and his kids. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the dance and auction getting underway at 7 p.m.
Country/western musician Cody Movald will provide the tunes for the evening. It’s an all-ages event, with free admission for anyone who brings a silent auction item before 10 p.m.
The family has received donations of clothing and everyday items, Graham noted the main goal now is to help get a roof back over their heads.
By the time fire crews arrived on scene, the structure was fully engulfed in flames, meaning a new home will have to be constructed from the ground up, as nothing was left after the fire subsided.
“Everybody comes into hardships. It’s just always nice when people can go out and help somebody who is struggling or who loses everything. It doesn’t take much if everybody pulls together, a little bit goes a long way,” said Graham. “The kids live with us half of the time and live with their mom half of the time, so right now, they don’t have a place to call home when they’re with dad.”
Anyone who can’t make it to the benefit event, but would still like to help by donating cash or auction items, can contact Georgina Graham at 780-826-4642 or email [email protected].
“Every dollar helps. In one way, shape, or form, every dollar helps... If you want to go out for a fun St. Patrick’s Day dance and support a local family, come on out.”
