Victoria family thankful for donations following devastating fire
Family of seven lost everything last month in fire at townhouse complex
A Victoria family that lost everything in a townhouse fire last month is saying thank you. The Modestes and their five children are back on their feet thanks to donations from the community.
The family rushed to get out of their townhouse at the Evergreen Terrace complex when a fire started in the unit next door in the early hours of Nov. 18.
They were only able to grab the family dog, Bella, and the keys to their car. But just a few weeks later, donations have helped the family replace most essential items — everything from clothes to beds.
"From the bottom of all of my family's hearts, that's just amazing how the community comes together like this," said Marcus Modeste.
Groups in Victoria, such as the Quadra Communty Centre and the Mustard Seed Street Church, mobilized quickly to gather donations for the nearly half a dozen families displaced by the fire at the large social housing complex.
Donations from near and far
But Modeste, who is from Chemainus, B.C., says Coast Salish communities on Vancouver Island also stepped up to help his family.
"In my language, the Coast Salish language, it's 'Huy ch q'u'. That's thank you, and the proper way to do it is we raise our hands and thank everybody," he said.
Ten families were initially forced out of their homes by the fire, but half were able to return. B.C. Housing managed to find alternative units for everyone who was displaced by the fire.
The Modestes moved into a three-bedroom townhouse, following a week-long stay in a hotel.
The search continues for something bigger for the family of seven.
But for now, even though there are bunk beds in the living room, it's home, while the family works to move past the traumatic night of the fire, Modeste said.
