Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Community members rally after family loses home to fire

Dec 9, 2016 | 1:11 PM

NOBLEFORD – Community members are coming together to support the Den Boon family, who are struggling after losing their home and most of their possessions to a fire Thursday (Dec. 8).

Fire crews were called to the rural property near Nobleford in the afternoon, and while everyone escaped safely, the home was completely lost to the flames.

Andrea Den Boon-Fieret is helping to organize support efforts for her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rob and Erna, along with their four children. She noted that while they are overwhelmed by the loss, they continue to impress her.

“They’re keeping really strong actually, for what just happened to them,” Den Boon-Fieret explained while talking to Lethbridge News Now. “The kids don’t really have a clue what’s going on, I don’t think at this point it’s really hit them yet.”

If there is a positive to take from something like this – especially when considering the time of year – Den Boon-Fieret noted that it’s the way the community has rallied around the family.

“It’s absolutely amazing, you’re surprised with the amount of people that contact you, people that barely even know us that are willing to help out, and it’s absolutely amazing,” said Den Boon-Fieret. “It’s crazy, people are so helpful and willing to help. There’s no word for that.”

At this point she says the family has enough clothing and necessities to get by, and they haven’t determined exactly what they will need to replace yet, so they are not looking for donations of any items. Instead she asks that those interested in helping out visit the GoFundMe page. You can also drop off gift cards at V2 Fashion in Fort Macleod, Ups and Downs Clothing in Picture Butte and Kooyman Bakery in Coalhurst.