A happy ending has emerged much sooner than anyone could have expected for a Prince George family that was left without a home following a fire early Monday morning.
Chancy Henwood, 41, and his three sons remained in disbelief Thursday after an overwhelming community response to a call for help has not only led to the family finding a new home but being flooded with enough donations of household items for them to say nothing more is needed.
"I think we're good," said a tearful Henwood.
The biggest break came when the owner of Knell Enterprises Ltd. called up family friend Michelle Marrelli with the offer of a house in the 600 block of Carney Avenue suitable for the family and their two dogs with no rent or damage deposit for the first month.
"It's an awesome house, it's amazing," Henwood said.
A fire early Monday morning that erupted at the home they had been renting in the 2900 block of Nicole Ave. not only destroyed the house but left them with little more than the clothes on their backs and minus three of their five pets that succumbed in the blaze.
But their fortunes quickly changed after Marrelli put out the call.
Rooms, both upstairs and downstairs, were filled with clothes, bedding, furniture and pots and pans. And one thing the family won't be lacking is televisions as at least a half dozen were seen during a tour of their new digs.
Once Henwood and his sons, Neno, 20, Basil, 19, and Romello, 17, have completed their stocktaking and settled in, any excess items will be donated to other families in need.
"The community is amazing," Henwood said, adding people have been donating cash and food while they've been out on the street or at the store.
"I've been famous for a day," Henwood said.
Added to the help, Neno will be able to start work on a new job after the boots and work clothing he lost in the fire were replaced with donations.
"Thank you to all the Christmas angels in Prince George," Henwood said.
