A former Campbell River resident was badly injured in a workplace explosion last week near Edmonton, and his family has launched an online fundraiser to support the injured worker and his wife.
“I really hope that friends, family, co-workers and his fellow tradesman will help them out as he has a long road to recovery,” said a statement on the GoFundMe fundraising webpage “Eric and Nicole Fabbro. Ja-Co Welding.”
Eric Fabbro’s injuries include burns on his neck, back and legs, a broken nose and lacerations across his body, some of them to the bone, according to Mary French, his niece.
The explosion took place on Dec. 27 at Ja-Co Welding in Nisku, Alta., south of Edmonton. Fabbro and another man were reportedly taken to hospital with serious injuries, and another worker died at the scene.
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The fundraiser had raised more than $2,500 towards a goal of $10,000 by Wednesday afternoon.
French said she’s in Edmonton trying to help Eric and Nicole Fabbro however she can.
She said that Eric, a welder, is the sole breadwinner for the couple. He was finally back to work after a period of unemployment, she said.
“Eric is the only income they have,” she said in a text message to the Mirror.
“He takes care of almost everything so Nicole has been lost without him.”
Eric worked for years in Campbell River at Allpen Diving, French said. She added that Nicole was raised in Campbell River, and that most of her family lives here.
She said the family is grateful that Eric survived the deadly explosion, adding that he will require extensive therapy.
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