Our dear friend Kate Taschereau and her five children – Claire, 20 and away at school; John, 18; Rosie, 16; Blaise, 12; and Grace, 10 – lost all their worldly possessions in a house fire this past Sunday. They had gone to Church Sunday morning as usual and then were out sledding for the afternoon when Kate received a call from a neighbour telling her that her home was on fire. Kate returned to find their rental home and everything in it gone. They did not have renter's insurance. Fortunately, no one was hurt but they did lose their much loved pets: Giacomo the dog, Ash the rabbit, and Pixie the hamster.

They have only the clothes on their backs. They have no furniture, clothing, toiletries, electronics, school supplies, etcetera. And unfortunately, this happened two weeks before Christmas and so all their presents are gone as well.

This great trial has come on the heels of some very difficult years for this lovely family. Kate, a single mother and one of the hardest working women we have ever known, has steered her family through some incredibly challenging times with fortitude, grace, and good humour.

Please consider helping Kate and her kids rebuild their lives. Everything helps and would be greatly appreciated by Kate, her kids, and her surrounding family and friends. Of course, prayers are appreciated more than anything, especially for finding a new home.

If you live in Canada and wish to donate directly, contact Jody Haaf Garneau to deposit into a TD bank account. If you live near Kate (Abbotsford, B.C.), Jody is also organizing local donations of needed items and gifts.

Thank you and God bless!