It’s not every day that the destruction of a house creates good news.
But in Birken, that was the case for the Elliott family this week.
“It wasn’t a very uplifting experience,” says Rob Elliott. His home was destroyed in October by the mudslides northeast of Pemberton, putting his entire property – which included a guest cabin, several outbuildings, and hundreds of fruit trees – under debris.
READ MORE: Family denied insurance claim as cleanup begins after Birken mudslide
They originally thought everything was destroyed. However, over the last week a neighbour used heavy equipment to tear down and excavate the home.
“We managed to get a few amazing little finds out of it,” said Elliott.
Within the mangled instruments and toys were some preserved photo albums. A few heirloom rings. And one very special book.
“It’s the only recording my wife has of her mom, who passed away of cancer a year and a half ago, so that means a lot.”
The family knows it’s unlikely they’ll ever be able to live on the property again, and their insurance company has denied their claim.
However, they’re working with the provincial government to apply for Disaster Financial Assistance. And they’re overwhelmed by the support they’ve gotten from a GoFundMe page, where people have donated nearly $50,000 in less than two weeks.
“It’s just incredible,” says Rob.
“We have had so much support, and my gratitude has grown beyond any ability to comprehend.
“Help your neighbour, whether you know them or not, practice your gratitude every day.”
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