Help for fire victims
Fire crews battle blaze and try to comfort tenants Sylvia Howe and Don McInnes (inset).
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Updated: October 16, 2009 11:02 AM
A White Rock mother and son whose house was gutted by fire last weekend now have a trust fund set up at Bank of Montreal, 1626 Martin Dr.
Sylvia Howe, 83, and Donald McInnes, 56, have been staying at a local motel since the Saturday evening incident, which destroyed their 1146 Martin St. home.
Peace Arch News reported earlier this week how Howe – whose insurance expired two months ago – tried to put out the fire, after kindling on top a wood-burning stove reportedly ignited and flames spread around 8 p.m.
A neighbour and Good Samaritan helped her out of the house, and she was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
The fund was set up Wednesday to give those wishing to help the family an avenue to do so.
McInnes said many people have already offered support.
The motel they are staying at opened up its storage area and said the two can take what they need, including beds.
At the South Surrey gas station where McInnes works, a customer who recently got married told him he and his wife received too many gifts, and offered to pass on household items, such as pots and pans. And a fellow gas station employee dropped off suitcases full of clothes.
McInnes and Howe returned to their property Tuesday afternoon with the White Rock fire chief, who found the keys to their undamaged vehicle, which they now have in their possession.
McInnes said they salvaged one photo album and some jewelry.
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