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EXCLUSIVE: Sainte-Anne’s community rallies around single mother after fire destroys her home

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE – Natalee Crowley, a single mother of three, is feeling the love and support of her neighbourhood.

On Monday, she was flying to Toronto on a business trip when she received word that her house was burning down.

“The fire started on the side of the house. They had wood stacked up. It just started getting bigger and bigger and it went all the way up,” said eye witness Amanie Darwish.

Wednesday, Crowley walked among the rubble, surveying the extensive damage to her family’s home.

Until she can figure out what to do and where she’s going, Crowley’s two daughters, ages 8 and 10, and her 6-year-old son, are with their father; she’s staying with a neighbour.

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“[My kids] don’t fully understand the extent of the damage. They haven’t seen the house yet. We’re going to get them there gradually,” Crowley told Global News.

But she’s not alone – the community in Sainte-Anne’s immediately stepped in to help the family.

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“There’s people looking out for you when you least expect it,” Crowley said.

Natalee Crowley stands outside her home, Wednesday, November 25, 2015. Billy Shields/Global News

A friend launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised almost $1,000 and neighbours stopped by a drop-off site to donate toys and games.

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Crowley told Global News the gestures were surprising – and very touching.

“The immediate needs really are for books and games for her young children,” said friend Marie-Claude Carpentier.

“She’s lost all of that.”

Natalee Crowley’s home suffered extensive fire damage, Wednesday, November 25, 2015. Billy Shields/Global News

Crowley mentioned the only thing she really doesn’t need right now, is furniture.

“We’re not there yet,” she said.

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