An online donation campaign has been launched to help the family burned out of their home in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) community of Xwemelch’stn (Capilano 5 reserve), Sunday.
Crews doused the second-storey blaze and carried out a dramatic rescue of a woman trapped inside.
A fundraiser launched by niece Kanani Nahanee is now hoping to help the family of Alroy “Bucky” Baker and Elaine Stogan get back on their feet.
“I am humbly asking our family and friends to come together to help our family in need,” she writes.
Stogan was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital to be treated for internal burns and smoke inhalation, according to the GoFundMe page, and she remains in the ICU in stable condition.
The page goes on to say the top level of the family home has been completely burned and will need to be totally renovated. The hope is to raise $30,000.
“The family has lost all of their personal belongings on the top level, which is where the bedrooms, kitchen, and living room are located,” Nahanee wrote. “All funds raised will be used to replace all personal/home items lost in the fire, and support with food and bills during this time. Any amount is appreciated.”
Baker recently retired from many years of service to the Squamish Nation as a language teacher and councillor, Nahanee states, and their son Timothy has taken unpaid time off work to be with his parents.
“They’ve both been at Elaine’s side every day, with lots of support from both the Musqueam and Squamish Nations/families,” the page states.
West Vancouver Fire and Rescue investigators were on the scene again on Thursday and have not yet pinned down the cause of the blaze.
To contribute to the fundraiser for the family, visit the GoFundMe page.
