TABER- It’s a tragedy no family wants to experience; losing everything in a housefire right before the holidays.
But that’s exactly what happened to a family in Barnwell.
Around 6:30 p.m. Thursday night, the Taber Fire Department responded to a housefire; two fire engines, a rescue unit and 13 firefighters were called to the scene. Susan Wolf was home with her three children at the time of the fire. None of them were injured but all were treated for smoke inhalation. Wolf is also expecting her six child. Fire officials say they are still investigating the cause of the blaze.
The Wolf family lost their rental home and all their belongings.
For eleven-year-old Shakaela Wolf, it’s an experience she wont forget anytime soon.
“It was pretty scary; it was going to be the worst Christmas of my life.”
Richelle Cooper lives next door and watched the house burn to the ground. She said their loss had an impact on her.
“All their memories, everything that they had except for what they had on their backs that they came out with,” said Cooper. “So I think seeing that firsthand just really made me feel for them.”
When she learned the young family didn’t have tenants insurance, she started a Facebook page for donations.
Rene Angermeier is the vice-principal at Taber Christian School where the Wolf children attend school.
He said the outpouring of support is a true testament to the generosity of the residents of both Barnwell and Taber.
“Within 24 hours they had a new house to move into, they had beds, blankets, clothes, furniture; pretty much everything you could imagine,” said Angermeier. “As a school, we talk about community building and this has just been a time where the kids and families could put that into practice and they have really come together to bless this family in an unbelievable way.”
A Christmas tree and presents were among the many donations the Wolf family has received.
Maria Fehr works at the school and her daughter is a classmate of Shakaela’s. She said staff started to brainstorm for ideas on how to help and instantly people started to give.
“I brought a donation box for money and gift cards for the day and the amazing staff here also started helping and giving ideas on what we could do,” said Fehr. “A donation box for items was set up and we have already made two trips to the house because it was overflowing.”
Fehr’s daughter Lena decided to start a bottle drive to raise money. Bottles and cash donations can be dropped off at the school.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the family get back on their feet.
“I just can’t thank everyone enough, for someone to give us a house like that,” says Frank Wolf who is overwhelmed by the support.
“To be honest, its amazing to see how people reach out, even with the economy we are in right now,” said Wolf. “Very thankful, very thankful.”
The family has been able to furnish their new donated rental house and have most of the clothing they need, but Angermeier said the financial donations are still important for the family to get back on their feet.
For an up to date list of items still needed and locations where donations can be dropped off, you can visit the Facebook page dedicated to helping the Wolfs.
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