Friends of an elderly mother and son from Richmond have launched a GoFundMe page after the pair lost everything in a house fire earlier this month.
On the afternoon of Nov. 10, a major fire ripped through the rented condo at Arcadia Road, close to Westminster Highway and Garden City Road, occupied by Sally and Derek Smith.
The 79-year-old retired mother and her special needs son got out of the fire safely in the nick of time, but lost absolutely everything, including their cat, Bootsie.
To compound their misery, Sally has a multitude of serious medical issues and attends Vancouver General Hospital’s spinal clinic regularly.
The family has been staying in a local hotel, initially thanks to the Red Cross now through their insurance.
But, according to friends, few of their possessions which were lost in the fire – including Sally’s mobility aids, were covered by the insurance.
“They do not have any extended family to fall back on for any kind of support,” wrote family friend Jane Bye, who started the GoFundMe page.
“They have lost everything in their home including identification, important documents, family photos, artwork, heirlooms plus all furnishings and clothing.
“Their lives have been completely uprooted and they are currently homeless. Any donations to help get their lives back to some sense of normalcy would be very much appreciated.”
To donate, go to https://ca.gofundme.com/f/y29hy7-everything-lost-in-apartment-fire
