Thanks to Trevor Rockliffe and Castanet News

Alice George and Edward Thomas spoke to Castanet this afternoon:

Thomas said he was awaken by the sound of pebbles on the window. He looked in the garage and found smoke. He yelled’ FIRE’ to wake his three kids. Alice said she thought the fire was at the back of the garage where their van was parked. Thomas said he noticed the flames coming up from the floor indicating a fire in the basement.

Someone kicked at the front door and all of them (including children: boy 8, girls 5, and 3) ran out to the street.  Edward Thomas says there is not enough time to say everything or to give thanks. “Someone was watching over us” he says.

He says they are left homeless and taking it one day at a time. Alice says she has a horrible feeling of not knowing what to do next. Thomas says he has family in the north and they will help. The couple said they thanked the community for the support shown so far. Alice says they did not have fire insurance. She said that “the kids are safe” and that is what matters the most.

Both Alice and Edward told Global Okanagan: “they were not aware of the home’s drug trade history when they moved in.” They both said they did not know the people living in the basement.

Edward Thomas needs transportation to his job in Osoyoos.  The van mentioned earlier was destroyed.  Alice George works in Oliver.

Emergency Services provides : Housing for 72 hours from the start of the event so basically 3 nights accommodation. Then they get vouchers for food and necessities including clothing. After the 3 days is over however they are responsible for their own accommodations food etc.

Donations ?

Phone Shawna Michaud if you can help with childrens and young adult clothing. Contact Information:  mich13@telus.net or call 498-5523

Trust fund set up at CIBC – Alice George (Thomas) Acct # 00450-8016585