The kindness and generosity of the residents of Osoyoos never ceases to amaze.
Caitlin Channell and her family, that includes her husband and four children, found out the hard way just how kind and generous Osoyoos residents are after they were forced out of their rented home in Osoyoos more than three weeks ago following a fire apparently caused by a faulty furnace.
Not only did the fire destroy most of their material possessions, but the Chanell’s didn’t have any place to go as they only recently moved to Osoyoos from the Lower Mainland.
Since the fire, local residents have donated a seemingly endless list of clothing, household items, bedding, personal hygiene products and so much more to ensure this family will be able to move on.
Last Friday, a large contingent of Channell’s family and friends showed up to help her move from the burned out home on 70th Avenue into her new place in Osoyoos.
Much to her surprise, four members of the Osoyoos Coyotes showed up unannounced to offer their assistance, which Channell gladly and proudly accepted.
In the days following the fire, Caitlin said her family had thought about returning to the Lower Mainland to be closer to friends and family they knew there.
However, that quickly changed after witnesses and benefitting from the impressive outpouring of community support.
Not only has her family found a new place to live in Osoyoos, they have received enough donated items to quickly get back on their feet, she said.
This kind of support shouldn’t surprise anyone who has lived in or around this town for any extended period of time as Osoyoos residents always step up to the plate when others are in need.
There are many reasons why this is a wonderful place to live, but the endless community support for the less fortunate and those recovering from hard times and tragedy is remarkable.
Kudos to each and every individual, family and business that stepped up once again to help this young family during a very difficult time.
We wouldn’t or shouldn’t expect anything less and we should all be proud knowing that the community will be there with the same kind of support should any of us have to endure tough times or a tragedy.
This latest incident is just another glowing example of why this is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. We have no doubt Caitlin Channell and her family agree.
