A Burnaby family that was displaced by a fire earlier this month will be able to celebrate the holidays thanks to generous support.
Allison Wale, a single mother of three, and her family will be able to continue to have a roof over their heads thanks to Accent Inns, New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian and others while they search for permanent housing.
“I want to sincerely thank MP Julian for bringing together community partners such as, Accent Inns Burnaby, the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society and South Burnaby Legion Branch 83 for helping us get through this difficult time," Wale said in a news release.
"Without their support and generous donations, my children and I would have nowhere to go."
On Dec. 3, a fire broke out in a first-floor suite at Evergreen Place at 6920 Gilley Ave. at about 7:45 p.m., according to assistant fire chief Derek Masaro.
On arrival, crews found smoke and flames coming from the suite, and the building was evacuated, he said.
Paramedics cared for and transported one patient to hospital, according to B.C. Emergency Health Services.
“[The suite] was totally destroyed,” Masaro said.
Adjacent suites also sustained smoke and fire damage, he said.
Some residents of the building were able to return after the fire was knocked down, but up to six families (totalling up to 14 people) were displaced, according to Masaro.
Julian said his office received a request from Byrne Creek Community School Coordinator Bal Dhillon to help his students Phoenix and his special needs sister Ashbee, who has cerebral palsy, and their family.
Allison Wale had struggled to extend her stay at the hotel before the Red Cross stepped in and Julian's office reached out.
"My office contacted Accent Inns’ manager, Chris Brown, who has generously offered to offer complimentary stay for Allison and her family until January 3," Julian explained in the release.
"Starting on January 4, Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society will provide help to the family so that they will have a roof over their heads at least until mid-January. We are working to get the family permanent housing. This is truly a joint community effort during this holiday season to help this family."
The South Burnaby Legion Branch 83 also donated $1,500 to the family so they can purchase essential items and medical equipment destroyed by the fire.
“Thank you to Mr. Julian’s office for connecting us with Ms. Wale," Burnaby Accent Inns General Manager Chris Browne added.
"We would like to offer Ms. Wale and her children a complimentary stay at Accent Inns so that they can continue to have a roof over their heads after January 3rd. We want to make sure Ms. Wale and her children do not have to be out in the cold and snow without a place to stay, especially at this time of the year.
"Ms. Wale’s children bring smiles and joy to our guests and staff at the Accent Inns. We are very happy that they are staying with us."
