Victim of housefire thanks Cold Lakers for support and donations

A Cold Lake man who lost his home in a fire ten days ago wants to thank the community for their generosity and support.

Richard Daigle reached out to Lakeland Connect to pass along the message that all the donations and gestures of kindness he and fellow families received recently has not gone un-noticed.

“From the smallest act of kindness to the people who have been supporting us daily, to all the people who are helping at the fundraisers; I truly thank you for everything you have done,” he wrote.

On Friday, September 9, Richard and his father were sleeping mid-afternoon when they were awoken by pounding at their front door. It was a warning to get out the house, which they didn’t realize was going up in flames.

Daigle said they made it out just in time. However, their little puppy did not.

“We were 10 seconds away from the fire being at the bottom of the stairs by the time we got out of the house. It didn’t take long at all,” he told Lakeland Connect. 

“This is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. I think it’s probably the hardest thing my father has ever had to deal with.” 

Since then, it has been a whirlwind. Whether it’s been various phone calls to insurance companies or trying to replace things like phones or electronics, to figuring out a living situation, Daigle and his father have been busy.

 

 

 

 

Realtors of several Cold Lake companies came together to organize a barbeque last Wednesday with all proceeds going to the victims. That’s been just one of many lifelines that residents have extended to Daigle and his neighbours.

Three homes in total burned to the ground, while other neighbouring properties have damages as well from the blaze. The Cold Lake RCMP and fire investigators have deemed the fire “suspicious” and are investigating more angles. They are also hoping that neighbour’s doorcams or surveillance footage can create new leads.

“No matter what, you’re always going to be wondering why, I think anyway. We talk about it every day. Why did this happen? Why did this happen? If somehow we can put a face on it, well, that makes it at least a little easier,” said Daigle. 

Right now Daigle says he is taking it a day at a time, which is made easier by the help they’ve received along the way.

“It’s a small town thing. You never realize how strong that the community is, until something like this happens. And you see it and it just blows your mind,” he said. 

“It really doesn’t matter how small a gesture or any help or anything’s been. Everything matters.”