A Coquitlam family is trying to put their lives back together after a massive blaze destroyed much of their home — and most of their belongings.
No one was hurt in the Feb. 24 fire on Toba Drive but the building is so badly damaged that the Fong family, including Choon and Christina and their older children, is unable to move back into their beloved home of 26 years.
Making matters worse, the house was looted twice after the fire, before security chased them away.
"No one was injured, thankfully, but the memories from building a life in Canada over the last 48 years have been lost in the fire. My parents pride themselves on being great neighbours and great gardeners with an extensive dahlia garden and houseplants that are decades old," wrote Ivy Haisell in a GoFundMe online fundraising page.
Haisell and Bryan Fong are organizing the fundraiser.
Insurance is taking time to resolve and the family has been told that it won't cover everything; meanwhile, the parents are staying with family in Richmond until a more permanent situation can be found.
"They are navigating the insurance process to begin recovery however, they've been told that the insurance will not cover it all and it will be a long road ahead. It has been a very emotional time," said Haisell, who said her father was supposed to be celebrating a birthday on Thursday (March 3).
Dozens of donations have already come in, with the total more than $7,000 toward the $10,000 goal.
Many have taken the time to say how sorry they are about the tragedy facing the long-standing Coquitlam family.
The fire broke out in the garage of the Fong's two-storey home but the cause of the blaze is still unknown.
It's hoped that the fundraiser can go some way toward helping the Fongs at this difficult time.
Stated Haisell in her post: "This fundraiser is to help the family get back on their feet and provide a place for our friends and loved ones to show their support. Thank you to everyone who sends their thoughts, support in any way that they can and for being there for us."
