Bob Vautour, Moncton man living with no power, will have hot shower tonight

A Moncton man who was living with no power and at risk of losing his home had his power turned back on today thanks to community generosity.

“I am thankful I am proud to have this community,” Bob Vautour said Monday.

“In a lot of places this would be by-passed, but in Moncton – it has always been a community that supports people, supports its citizens and it’s just another example of how people get behind people here.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "In a lot of places this would be by-passed, but in Moncton - it has always been a community that supports people, supports its citizens and it's just another example of how people get behind people here."

A series of heartbreaking and unfortunate events had Vautour in a tough situation. He had been living without power for months, and is at risk of losing his home.

WATCH ABOVE: The City of Moncton was asked to lend a helping hand to Bob Vautour who was living without power for several months.

2:36 Staple of Moncton community in need of help

One of Vautour’s friends, along with the non-profit group Big Hearts Small City, stepped in to help and now more than $7,000 has been raised through community donations.

Jason Surrette from Big Hearts Small City says that Vautour’s power bill was paid this morning – the power and heat were turned on shortly after.

“It is great to have it back cause I am going to spend the next two days doing nothing but cleaning and cooking and getting some hot water and having a hot shower at home for a change,” says Vautour.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It is great to have it back cause I am going to spend the next two days doing nothing but cleaning and cooking and getting some hot water and having a hot shower at home for a change," says Vautour.

Powerless for months

He had been living without power in his house since November, after having it cut because he couldn’t pay the bill.

His heartbreaking story goes back more than a year ago with the death of Diane, his wife of 34 years. He had to use the bulk of his $8,000 in savings to cover her funeral.

He then lost his job as a commissionaire, meaning he couldn’t make power or mortgage payments. Vautour has found some part-time work, but wants people to understand how quickly things can change.

“This can happen in the blink of an eye,” he said. “You know, one month you’re fine and two months later you’re in this mess”.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This can happen in the blink of an eye," he said. "You know, one month you're fine and two months later you're in this mess".

Vautour was also at risk of losing his home in a foreclosure auction in March.  Surrette says part of the money raised will also be used to pay for Vautour’s mortgage arrears.

“It is just a tremendous feeling to have this kind of support from the community,” says Vautour.

With files from Andrew Cromwell.