Mom, three kids, lost almost everything in fire

Long-time friends and former neighbours have set up a bank account and are collecting donations to help a single mom and her three children get back on their feet after losing their home to fire last week.

“They lost just about everything in the fire,” said friend Crystal Houard. “They lost everything they had upstairs and most of their downstairs things were heavily damaged with smoke and water and what was there is probably mouldy by now. They had no insurance.”

Damage to the Scheldt Court townhouse they rented at Prince Edward Heights was estimated at about $100,000. Prince Edward County firefighters’ quick response to the six-unit building last Wednesday resulted in containing the damage to the one unit. Flames had broken out in one of the bedrooms.

The Picton Salvation Army Corps and Ontario Works helped the family with immediate accommodations and personal needs. Meanwhile, Michelle Bond and her three children, Kristen, 12; Elijah, 10 and Ethan, 8, are searching for permanent housing.

“A mattress company has donated beds, so that’s looked after,” notes Houard. “So mainly we set up the bank account to help them with first and last month’s rent and to get things like clothing and toys for the kids. She has a part-time job but it’s not enough to get what they need. The night of the fire Prince Edward Pizza sent up dinner. I would really like to thank them, too.”

An account has been set up at Scotia Picton. Contributions can also be made in a donation jar at Picton Clinic. For more information on the needs of the family, or where to send donations, contact Karen Sporring at 476-9648, or Crystal Houard at 847-6344.