Trust set up for fire victims

A Pauquachin family rebuilds after fire destroyed their home

On June 29, the Peninsula News Review told the story of a devastating house fire on the Pauquachin reserve that left a family of four and their dog unhurt but without a home.

Now, the family is seeking the public’s help in their efforts to try and rebuild, through a trust fund set up in their name.

“[The trust fund] was organized to see if we can rebuild that house, or start a down payment on a new house,” said Mabel Bill, who owned the house.

Rebuilding would not be a small feat however, as the entire structure was burned and the roof collapsed.

Bill said the home had just been renovated last year, and there is a 15-year waiting list before they can apply to the band for help with new renovations.

A representative from the Pauquachin band council acknowledged that the family has been put on a housing list, but that the waiting period is indefinite.

The family did not have fire insurance.

Donations can be made to Mabel Bill in Trust, at Coast Capital Savings.

 

Peninsula News Review