A Tsawwassen family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from the community after their home was destroyed by a fire last week.
Walter Payne and his family escaped with their lives and the clothes on their back after a blaze, started by an unattended candle, led to their home’s destruction on Thursday evening last week. After initially refusing a neighbour’s offer to create a Go Fund Me campaign to help his family, after a trip to the mall to shop for essentials lost in the fire, he agreed to ask for help. Within two days of the campaign going live, the campaign's $15,000 goal was smashed with people donating more than $17,500.
The fire was first noticed by Payne’s wife and was still small enough to be handled by a fire extinguisher. Payne says the family sails frequently and are practiced at working as a team. Almost immediately there was an extinguisher in his hand. Payne pulled the pin and pressed the lever but nothing happened. His son gave him another extinguisher but it failed the same way as the last. By the time the third extinguisher was in his hands the flames were licking down the hallway. Using the last extinguisher Payne fought the flames back enough so his wife and three children could escape.
On the night of the fire Payne family received the first of many examples of their neighbour’s charity when they were given shoes to wear as they hadn’t time to put on any as they evacuated. Payne said in an interview with the Optimist his family received five different offers for a place to stay that night. For now the family is staying at the Tsawwassen Coastal Inn, paid for through their insurance.
"The monetary thing is one part of it which is a big part of it but the actual well-wishing and offers to help in any way far outweigh what you're seeing on that go fund me page," Payne said.
"We love this place and we love the community and it just tells you how wonderful and warm the people are,” Payne said. “It just makes our hearts swell with joy. We're so thankful for the help and the offerings of help."
Among the material casualties of the fire were the belongings in each of their bedrooms as well as the family’s various musical instruments, including a grand piano, guitars, amps and sound equipment.
To make a donation, visit the Payne family’s GoFundMe page.
