MOOSE JAW — On the evening of Sept. 13, one Moose Jaw family answered a call that nobody wants to receive.
“The Moose Jaw Police (Service) actually called us while we were at Dairy Queen having some ice cream,” recalled Andrew Cameron, father of Ashlynn, Jaxon, and Sienna, and husband to Alyssa Cameron. The call was to inform him that the Moose Jaw Fire Department was responding to a house fire at their address.
“My first thought was (to) get the kids into the van. We’re going,” he said.
As the Camerons try to move on they’re asking the community for a helping hand. Brian Richards, a close friend of the family is holding a rib night fundraiser at The Crushed Can from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Everyone’s welcome and proceeds will help the family find a new home and rebuild their lives after losing everything except each other.
The Camerons lived at 406 Fairford Street East which is across from the site of the former Union Hospital and kitty corner from the Phoenix Academy. Their residence has been known for its festive Christmas lights and a mailbox for letters to Santa that the family sets up each winter.
Nobody was at home when the fire broke out and there were no injuries related to the incident, although the building is now a total loss. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is still under investigation.
“We’re trying to stay positive, but at the same time we’re going through depression,” he said. “We didn’t have renters’ insurance which really hurts us. It’s like an uphill struggle. We have a lot to try and regain, as well as (recovering) emotionally and mentally.”
The Camerons are now staying at the Best Western Hotel and have applied to the Moose Jaw Housing Authority for a rental option. Andrew said he’s hopeful they may have an option as soon as early October but the family isn’t certain how long the wait could be.
In addition to the upcoming fundraiser, the family is also asking for any spare household item donations. “We still need quite a bit of items,” Andrew said. “We’re looking for kitchen essentials, living room essentials, bedroom essentials, (and) hygiene items would be good.”
When Andrew, his wife, and mother each posted the wish list on Facebook they were met with nearly immediate support from the community.
“There are quite a bit of people reaching out to us. I can’t keep up with the messages,” Andrew said. “We got many gift cards for shopping stores and groceries.”
The best way to donate is by contacting Andrew on Facebook Messenger under ‘Andrew L Cameron.’
His mother Cynthia Cameron shared her message of thanks on Facebook previously. “I want to take the time and thank everyone who donated items to my son and his family,” she wrote. “Whether it was gift cards, cash, clothing, diapers, toys… Your generosity when someone is in need is and continues to be amazing and you are all heroes in my eyes for helping. Thank you a million times over.”
Andrew also concluded with a thankful message. “Thanks for all the help from the community and for supporting my family,” he said. “The community has definitely shown their true colours. It’s a small place but everyone in Moose Jaw is like one big family.”
The rib night fundraiser will be held at The Crushed Can located at 82 Manitoba Street West. Tickets are $25 apiece and can be purchased at the door or by contacting Cynthia Cameron through Facebook Messenger.
