A crowdfunding page has been set up to support an east Richmond family who lost their rental home and two pets to a fire earlier this month.
Because of the fire on Aug. 11 near Smith Crescent and Gilley Road, the family of four is now looking for a new place to rent in the area.
Hamilton resident and neighbour Caroleen Dyball created the GoFundMe page with a goal to raise $10,000 for the family.
As of Aug. 23, the page has raised almost double its goal - $19,325 so far - with messages of support from friends, family and community members.
“They have helped out others who have been in need before and it’s their time for others to pay it forward,” reads the GoFundMe page.
Dyball told the Richmond News the family’s search for a new place to settle in has been difficult.
“It’s been hard to find a place that fits their needs and budget to rent for them here (in Hamilton),” said Dyball.
A special hazmat team will be needed to get their belongings due to asbestos in the fire-ravaged house.
The News has reached out to Richmond Fire-Rescue for more information about the fire.
