Dear Editor,
On Jan. 10, our family experienced an event that no one expected. A fire severely damaged our home near Moose Lake, ripping through our upstairs bedrooms and causing extensive heat and smoke damage throughout the home.
We were displaced, our kids were confused and frightened, and we had legal questions, insurance questions, work schedules and school schedules to get through, clothing issues, medications, you name it we had it. It was a time when business cards were getting thrown at you, questions are being asked of you, and all you can think about is that you haven't brushed your teeth in two days, what about all the food in the fridge, and where the heck are we gonna live??!
As relatively new residents to Bonnyville, we knew that this town and surrounding area was a special place. The kind people we have met and the overall feel here is second to none. What we were not expecting was the extreme generosity that we have experienced from everyone here.
Care baskets including creature comforts like soap, shampoo, and razors were dropped off on day one. Then came the food. Platters of food, enough to feed an army, were dropped off by people who in many cases we hardly knew and certainly didn't owe us their kindness.
Cash donations have been coming in, offers for accommodations, clothing for our kids, etc, etc. It's been overwhelming and fantastic at the same time. I don't know how this happens but we feel genuinely blessed and humbled by the generosity and goodwill displayed by the members of this community.
To our dear friends who have all come to our aid, thank you for your friendship and assistance throughout this difficult time. To the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, thank you for helping to salvage some of our precious belongings and saving what remains of our home.
We eagerly wait for the opportunity to “pay it forward” should someone need OUR help down the road.
Signed,
A Grateful Family, The Gandolfi's
