Benefit dance and auction to aid fire victims near Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Baldonnel woman is urging continued support for her family in the wake of an unfortunate tragedy.

Sandra Cushway has organized a benefit dance for her sister, Carol Nelson, and husband Lowell, after their home near Pink Mountain was destroyed by fire earlier this month. 

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign organized by Cushway on July 27th has raised just over $4,000 of its $10,000 goal. 

She told energeticcity.ca the outpouring of support has been incredibly “heartfelt” by residents and businesses.

I think it’s just how heartening it is for [Carol and Lowell] because they were feeling pretty dejected,” said Cushway. ”When you see all these people coming together, there’s kind of a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Carol and Lowell are very selfless. They help people all the time. I feel so blessed to live in this community.”

The home caught fire and was destroyed. Fortunately, Carol and Lowell, who had been on a kayaking trip in Mackenzie, were unharmed.

However, due to the house’s remote location and the use of wood to heat it, the Nelsons didn’t have fire insurance. 

“It was traumatic,” said Cushway, who added that family heirlooms have been lost as a result of the destruction. “But we’re family, and she’s my sister.”

“There are family pictures, my grandmother’s quilt and accordion, things like that.  Those are irreplaceable.”

The benefit is scheduled for August 1st and will take place at the Pomeroy Barn located at 11569 Pomeroy Road from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It will cost $20 to attend.  

Musical performances featuring the local band ‘Me and the Boys’ and a silent auction will be held.  According to Cushway, 68 items have been donated to the cause.

The auction will then be moved online until August 23rd to allow people unable to attend the event to bid on the items.

Meanwhile, Cushway says she will move alongside her husband on August 4th to help her sister rebuild.

“As soon as this is done, we’re moving the entire family up there,” said Cushway.  “It will be a smaller place, but we’ll try to build it back and get them into a place.”

To donate to the GoFundMe, click the link here.