On Sept. 13, our apartment was lost in a fire on Heritage Drive. It was one of the most scariest times of my life as my daughter was home at this time. I believe it was Samantha Paulson who banged on our door, alerting my daughter of the fire. I can’t thank you enough for that quick thinking which allowed my daughter to escape.
It was all very shocking at this time, but I do know that many neighbours came forward and did what they could to help us. You are all amazing and your kindness and support will never be forgotten.
I also want to thank the Okanagan Landing Fire Department and Vernon Fire Rescue for saving the rest of the complex and putting the fire out. Also, thank you to the Okanagan Emergency Management team, Red Cross and the Interior Health Authority for their help with lodging, meals and clothes. They also kept in touch for weeks after the fire to make sure we were on our feet. Thank you to the Sandman Hotel and employees for being so kind and supportive in that first difficult week. Also, I want to thank Karen Gerein, of the Vernon Native Housing Society, for her help in finding us a home weeks after.
The Upper Room Mission and the Salvation Army took donations from all of you good folks of Vernon and area. Thanks to them and you, we have some furniture and household items to start anew. Also, Interlink and the Gleaners supplied us with beds thanks to your donations.
Also, a big thank you to Buy-Low for their support and kindness and thank you to The Morning Star and CHBC for getting our words and needs out to the people. It was a great help.
I hope I haven’t forgot to thank anyone as there were so many of you perfect strangers that helped us in our greatest time of need. Thanks to my family, friends and you, the good people of Vernon, for giving so much when we had so little.
I just wanted to take this time to thank you all on behalf of my daughter Katelyn and myself.
We wish you all the very best Christmas and new year. God bless you all.
Kat Mackenzie
Vernon
