By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Two house fires only days apart around Oliver last month have led to two GoFundMe campaigns as the families struggle to rebuild their lives.
On Jan. 16, 2025 fire destroyed a home in the area of Brauns Rd and Hwy. 97 south of Vaseux Lake. Allison Nosek, the organizer of the fundraiser, said the home belonged to “Auntie Roxann and Uncle Eliu”, and the fire spread so quickly the pair were just able to escape the fire with “nothing but the clothes on their backs”.
“The fire’s impact is far-reaching, and they need your help to rebuild their lives,” writes Nosek. She notes their home was not an ordinary home, it was also a safe haven for dogs, part of their work with Loved at Last Dog Rescue.
Tragically, they lost five dogs in the fire, including two of their own beloved pets, she says. “The loss of these animals, who were like family, is an emotional heartbreak they are struggling to overcome.”
Nosek says the fire was so intense that even the car parked next to the house melted. Eliu suffered minor burns trying to rescue the dogs, and Roxann was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. “Thankfully, both are recovering, but the trauma they’ve experienced is profound, and the road ahead is long.”
While the emotional toll is heavy they’re now facing what Nosek says is the “exhausting and overwhelming process of dealing with insurance, which has been a nightmare.
“They have lost so much – their home, their belongings, their pets, and their sense of security.”
But through it all she says the couple has remained the same “caring, selfless people they’ve always been. They are determined to rebuild, and with your support, we know they will.”
She added that every little bit helps, from any size donation, to sharing their story, or even sending them words of encouragement. “It will make a world of difference during this incredibly challenging time,” she said, thanking everyone for their “kindness, generosity, and support”.
The “Please help Roxann and Eliu Recover After Devastating Fire” GoFundMe has a goal of $10,000 and as at Feb. 10 has raised $1,070 from 14 donations.
Meanwhile on Jan. 24 a home off of Hwy. 97 near Rd. 1 just outside Oliver a second home was destroyed by fire making George Wellbelove, his mother Jillian and his brother Charlie along with one cat homeless.
The fundraiser is being organized by Wellbelove’s coworker, Taytene Prince. “George and Charlie were at work when they received the heartbreaking news that their house was engulfed in flames,” writes Prince. While no one was hurt in the fire, only one of their six beloved cats survived.
Prince notes that in 2024, George’s mother Jillian endured an incredibly challenging year, undergoing multiple surgeries that left them in a dire financial situation. “The aftermath of these surgeries has been incredibly difficult for the entire family, and they’ve been struggling to get back on their feet ever since,” she said.
As a result of these financial difficulties the family was unable to upkeep their renters insurance and are currently unable to afford a home.
“Their primary goal is to rebuild their lives and find a place where they can call home again. They’re also working towards furnishing their new home and creating a comfortable living space,” she said.
The “Help a family of 3 recover after devastating house fire” GoFundMe has a goal of $2,600 and as at Feb. 10 has raised $2,310 from 21 donations.
