GoFundMe campaign launched for Port Moody kids left homeless in fatal fire

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help six children left homeless by a fatal fire earlier this month in Port Moody.

Five children, aged four to 18, escaped the July 10 blaze that engulfed the house by climbing onto the rooftop. But their mother died.

A sixth child was not home at the time. 

• 'It was loud and just really scary': Neighbour describes harrowing escape
• Father charged with 2nd-degree murder after 'tragic' house fire in Port Moody, B.C.

Their father has been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of arson. His identity and the details of the case can't be disclosed because of a publication ban protecting the identities of the children.

Now, the children, with help from a relative, are trying to raise money to repair their home.

"We are seeking help to rebuild our house and our lives," says the GoFundMe posting, written by the eldest child.

"We are currently homeless because our house is uninhabitable and unsalvageable."

It says the insurance company won't pay a claim, because the policy holder has been accused of arson.

'Deep connection' to house

"We have deep connection to our house and our neighbours, and we hope to raise enough funds to rebuild the house back to habitable condition."

Bryan Cheung, who is close to the family, said the house sustained a lot of water damage.

The goal is to raise at least $250,000 to repair the house, the GoFundMe page says. If the house can't be fixed "it would cost about $600,000 to rebuild."

Cheung said he hopes the house can be repaired well enough so the kids can move back in.

The devastation caused by the fatal fire has touched a chord among Port Moody residents.

"It's so sad that those six children lost their mother" said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer, adding that she hopes the fundraising effort works.

"It would be so nice if they could stay in the community that they are used to."

Cheung said he couldn't answer questions about the condition of the kids due to the police investigation and publication ban. But the child who penned the GoFundMe post wrote that the family is grateful for the community support.

"The support which we have received from our friends, neighbours, relatives, and community has been a ray of light in the midst of confusion, darkness and despair," said the post.

"We are greatly appreciative of everything and we are very hopeful of our future."

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