Fundraising efforts continue as the community rallies around a local farm following a devastating barn fire last week.
Fire crews were called to Loranda Stables and Kitty Kottage on 28th Avenue in Ladner just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. When firefighters arrived, the building was already fully engulfed in flames. No one was hurt in the blaze and all the horses and cats housed in the barn were safely evacuated.
An online fundraising campaign was quickly started and has now raised more $15,600 in just five days to help owner Micaela Robinson rebuild. It can be found at www.gofundme.com/8fjv8zsc.
A second fundraiser was started this week to help residents on one of the adjacent properties. The fire cut power to Pathfinder Pet Care, a home-based business,
which has been left without heat or electricity. According to an update on the business's Facebook page, electricians are working to hook things up but as of 10:30 p.m. Monday, power still had not been restored and the family is left using generators to power electric heaters and some lights, which is costing $240 a day in gas. The page is looking to raise money to help cover the cost of gas.
Any unused funds will be passed along to Loranda Stables to help rebuild the barn.
A bottle and tack drive for Loranda Farms has been organized for this weekend. Donations are being accepted at Ladner Baptist Church between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tack donations for the horses and their owners can also be dropped off at the church.
