SASKATOON — A devastating house fire has left a Southey family displaced and without nearly all their belongings, prompting a fundraising campaign that is now close to reaching its $40,000 goal.
The fire, which broke out on Nov. 8, destroyed the home of Ron and Elaine Gerock and their daughter, Lea, according to the GoFundMe page. Southey, located southeast of Saskatoon and about 55 kilometres from Regina, is a farming community of roughly 1,500 residents. The Gerocks’ home had been part of the town’s fabric for nearly 30 years.
According to a GoFundMe post created by family friend Jarred Wennenberg, Elaine had been caring for both her husband, Ron, who is dealing with complications following a stroke, and their daughter Lea, who has Down syndrome. The fire not only forced the family from their home but also took with it decades of belongings, photos and personal memorabilia. Their cat, Asher, is also believed to have been lost in the blaze.
Wennenberg wrote that the Gerocks’ home was a regular gathering place, where friends and family shared countless memories over the years.
“This GoFundMe was created to directly support Elaine, Ron and Lea — as they begin rebuilding their lives. Every share or contribution means more than words can express,” he said.
The fundraiser, launched the day after the fire, has quickly gained widespread support. As of publication, the campaign has raised nearly $38,000 toward its $40,000 goal, with donations coming from 240 contributors — some anonymous — including one top donation of $2,000.
The money raised will help the Gerock family recover from the loss as they navigate the long process of rebuilding their lives after the tragedy.
