Alice Thomas shows off the key to her family’s new home in Oliver on April 24. Thomas and her family, which includes her husband Edward and their three young children, were uprooted by a fire early Monday morning.
Photo contributed
The family uprooted by an early morning blaze at 6363 Main Street in Oliver on Monday says they still have a lot to be thankful for. Family friend Shauna Michaud says Edward and Alice Thomas are touched by the community’s ongoing generousity. Michaud told the Chronicle the donations have been pouring in since news of the fire that left the family of five out on the street broke earlier this week. She said monetary donations have have come from as far as Knelson and even Kelowna. “Wow! Thank you Oliver and South Okanagan, ” Michaud wrote in a recent Facebook message.
“You have showed that when people are down and out and it seems like there is no hope, there are people willing to help and that makes me so proud to live here. From the Thomas Family A Big Thank You, The support for them is “AWESOME” and they feel very blessed”
The biggest surprise for the family came when they received the keys to a new home on April 24. Thanks to their friends, family and a supportive community, Michaud said, the Thomas’ were able to find a new residence and will move in immediately.
The family received support from the Red Cross Society; three nights’ stay at a local motel and food vouchers. After that they planned to stay with relatives. According to Michaud the Red Cross Society had offered to extend the family’s motel stay a few more days.
“But they don’t need to now,” Michaud pointed out. “They have a place of their very own and they can begin to get back on their feet.”
In the meantime, the investigation into the root cause of Monday’s fire continues. Watch the Chronicle for updates.
Donations can be made to the Thomas family at any CIBC bank. Account Number 00450-8016585.
