Skip to content

Community pulls together for one of their own

Fire Relief Fundraiser for Gilles Sequin at the Barriere Senior’s Hall brings in 3K
20816barriereAlHarlowfrombandPrismcopy
A surprise cameo appearance at the Fire Releif fundriser by Al Harlow

“I’m surprised how well the community pulled together, and I am very, very happy,” said Bill Fowler last Friday during the Fire Relief Fundraiser for Gilles Sequin at the Barriere Senior’s Hall.

In December of 2015 Sequin lost his home and work related tools to fire. He did not have insurance.

It was Fowler who brainstormed the fundraiser idea, and he quickly gained support from family, friends and the community to join in raising money to “help get Gille back to work and get a trailer”.

The fundraiser on Feb. 6 offered chilli and a bun, a pie auction, silent auction, 50/50, and a great lineup of musicians from Barriere, Clearwater, Kamloops and elsewhere.

A highlight for many music lovers was the appearance on stage of Al Harlow from the well known Juno Award winning band ‘Prism’.

The pie auction was entertaining as enthusiastic bidders went head to head for delicious looking pies provided and donated by generous bakers.

Fowler says he has been amazed at how quickly the community pulled together to help one of their own when disaster strikes.

“Interior Savings were great, they helped us set up a bank account for the money raised,” said Fowler, “Armour Mountain Office Supplies and Josie Wilson have been great getting posters made, and so many other people have helped as well.”

Fowler says he is very impressed how generous people can be to help another.

“I even had people I was talking to on the street hand me a donation.”

He tells that before the Friday night fundraiser they had put $2000 into the bank.  After Friday that amount jumped to $5,000 thanks to the support received at the event.

“The turnout was great,” said Fowler, “I’m very happy, and especially appreciate all the volunteers and support from the community all the way through”