In July, Joanne Nolan and Brent Lafleur lost their home to a house fire in Paddockwood.
On Nov. 2, friends and family are planning a fundraiser at the Spruce Home Activity Centre to assist the couple after their loss.
Organizing committee member Shelley Crawford said they were looking for a way to help out. She said that the fire has been completely devastating for the couple.
“Joanne and Brent have been long standing community members in Paddockwood,” Crawford explained. “Joanne is my very special cousin.
“I don’t think anybody really realizes how devastating it is until it actually happens to a close family member…. We’re just really trying to come together and show Brent and Joanne some support (so they) know that their community is behind them. (It’s) another way to get the community together for a really good cause.”
Crawford said that the committee is a group of volunteers who are just trying their best to put on a successful event.
According to Crawford, the event will feature a supper by the Paddockwood Community Hall Committee, a silent auction with more than 30 items, a cash bar, and entertainment.
Local entertainers Elmer Lammedee, Larry Krause and Sandra Burke are scheduled to perform. There will also be a DJ performing that evening.
She described Lammedee, Krause and Burke as outstanding supporters of the community.
“He’s all about community and giving back whenever and wherever and however he can. Larry Krause is also a community member and he’s a very prominent entertainer in our area as well,” Crawford said. “They are just volunteering their time.”
Crawford said Nolan and Lafleur are usually the ones supporting others and now they need the support themselves.
The goal of the fundraiser is simple as far as money raised is concerned.
“We’re just hoping for a small town experience and just being able to raise as much money as we can to help Brent and Joanne down this new journey that they’re embarking on,” Crawford said.
She added that she has been hearing questions around the couple having insurance but noted that insurance always takes some time and the couple do not want to leave Paddockwood.
“Right now they’re living in their fifth wheel because they want to, but they don’t want to leave their home,” she said.
The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Spruce Home Activity Centre. Tickets are $25 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m. Supper is at 6 p.m. and entertainment is from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. There is no ATM so the event is cash only. According to Crawford a limited number of tickets are available.
“Our goal is to show as much support and community love to Brent and Joanne.”
For ticket information contact Crawford at (306) 961-6490, other contacts for tickets are also available on the event poster and tickets are available at Paddockwood Lake Country Co-op. Monetary donations can be made by e-transfer to lafleur.rebuild@gmail.com.
