When fire totally destroyed a trailer in Barriere trailer park on Dec. 20, it left the owner without a roof over his head or a home to call his own.
Gille Seguin was not home at the time of the fire (reportedly caused by a wood stove), which not only took his trailer but all the tools of his trade as well. Seguin had no insurance.
Friends of Seguin immediately rallied around him, have provided somewhere for him to stay, and are accepting donations of clothing, furniture and all the items required to put a person’s life back together after such a devastating loss.
Area resident Bill Fowler has opened an account at Interior Savings in Barriere to accept monetary donations on Seguin’s behalf.
“Anyone can make a donation to the account,” said Fowler, “Just go into the credit union and say its for Gille, they will know what it is about and that I have opened the account.”
Fowlers says Seguin’s friends are working towards raising enough money to be able to get him back to work.
“He is a carpenter and a logger and lost all of his tools and equipment in the fire,” said Fowler, “If we can get him the tools he needs he wants to go back to work.”
Fowler says ideally the group is hoping to be able to raise enough money through benefit concerts, and other fundraisers to be able to put a trailer back onto Seguin’s pad in Riverland Trailer Park.
“There are a lot of costs involved to do that,” said Fowler, “Right now we are dealing with the cleanup of the site, the equipment needed to do this and the bins to transport the debris away. So far a number of people have already stepped up to help.”
Fowler notes that if anyone has items to donate or be picked up, or would like more information on how to help or participate in the upcoming fundraisers they can call Fowler at 250-672-5116.