House Fire Leaves Milton Family Homeless
Posted by: Sara Hodge on: 2010-09-10 Permanent Link: House Fire Leaves Milton Family Homeless
Photo by Graham Paine, Milton Canadian Champion
A Milton family has lost everything they owned in a devastating house fire that occurred last weekend. They are in need of so much, and we hope by publishing this story our readers may be willing to help.
Erin Hainey, Dave Brown and their children are now living in a hotel room with only basic necessities as their insurance company works out the details after the loss of their home. Although they have been told to save receipts,the family is unsure how they will be able to pay for current expenses (such as a vehicle rental and accomodations) up front while they wait for assistance.
Damage to their townhouse, including the adjoining neighbour’s home is estimated at $350,000 and damage to their vehicle, which was also destroyed, is estimated at about $40,000. Milton Fire Department Chief Dave Pratt is quoted as saying it is expected the family won’t be able to return to their home for some time.
Unfortunately, time is not something that Erin has on her side. Nine months pregnant with a baby boy, she fears they may have to bring him “home” to a hotel room. It is already quite a challenge for the family while they stay there, with two little girls, 2 1/2 and 8 years old.
“Living in a one room hotel with our kids is harder than I thought it would be. They are bored, there is nothing for them to do and unless you want to shut off all of the lights and go to bed at 8:00 pm, they won’t either. I am worried about lunches for my 8 year old to bring to school as the mini fridge will not fit much.” Says Erin.
The community of Milton has done a tremendous job so far in pulling together to organize small fundraisers and donations of clothing for the family.
PLEASE NOTE: Updates have been made as the story unfolds- please check below for the most current information
Photo by Graham Paine, Milton Canadian Champion
Special Thanks to the Milton Canadian Champion for allowing us to re-publish actual photos taken at the scene. To read the Milton Canadian Champion’s article, click here
Updates!
According to friends close to the family, they have received enough clothing and a large amount of household items, but donations and gift cards are still needed. Although the insurance money is starting to come in, the family will soon be down to one income when the baby arrives, and, according to friends, may not qualify for maternity leave benefits due to the amount of work that Erin had to miss during the ordeal.
Sept. 10 – Aviva, the family’s insurance company through PC Financial, has begun providing some of the much needed money and has reportedly found them a temporary home for the next 6 months, close to their old one. They will be starting the process of getting settled this week.
Sept. 11 – The Milton Farmer’s Market fundraiser held in front of Troy’s Diner early Saturday morning was successful! It is estimated that around $1200 was collected for the family, as well as various other donations such as gift cards, clothes, toys and baby needs. A group of family friends are working on a master list in order to determine what is still needed and will let us know by the end of next week. Keep an eye on this post for updates!
Sept. 12 – A close friend of Erin’s has told us that the family has told us there is still a need for donations and gift cards in order to buy additional baby items. Erin’s baby is due very soon, so any amount you can give is much appreciated as they try to get settled in their temporary home.
Sept. 15 – Along with the help of Melissa Cowan and The Moving Source, we have put together a Baby Welcome and Thank You party for the Hainey-Brown family. Please join us on Sunday, September 26 to support the family on their journey to a new beginning. For details of the event, please click here
Sept. 23 – Twitter rocks! Tonight, while talking to Erin, she mentioned in conversation that they don’t have a camera. A young family with two sweet little girls and a baby on the way with no camera? I was on a mission! And with one simple tweet (on Twitter) asking for help, we had several generous offers, both for cameras and numerous other items. Go Twitter!!! Special thanks to twitterers @JenGPhotog , @dts , @DiscoverMilton and @BarleySugar for your gifts. We know the family will appreciate them. Other awesome twitterers who donated gifts include @OUACWhitby , @arongoss , @BobsandLolo (from Treehouse TV!), and @OceanaWhispers. See a full list of all of the people helping us make the Baby Welcome Party a happy one by clicking here , and if you’re a Twitterer, check out the hashtag #HaineyBrownFam for details and updates as they happen!
How you can help
A trust account has been opened in the Family’s name at the Milton Scotiabank at 880 Main St. East (at Thompson). Sandy Vipond of Milton Scotiabank tells us if you would like to make a donation you may do so by going to the Thompson and Main St. Branch or any Scotiabank location. The Hainey / Brown trust account number is 78006-01460-21. Cash or bank draft is preferred. The Hainey / Brown family has also requested that you please leave your name and contact information with the bank at the time of your donation as they hope at some point to be able to thank everyone personally.
If you would like to make any other type of donation, please be sure to contact us here and select “Brown / Hainey donation” from the drop down list. We will forward your information directly to the family.
Way to go Milton for your amazing generosity!!!
Fundraiser
A new fundraiser has been organized at the Milton Nail Spa with money going directly to the Hainey Family. They are offering 10 pedicures at $50 each, which include a 1 hour spa pedicure with scrub and massage. If you would like to book a pedicure and help a great cause call 905 878-6050 and say you want to book the fundraiser pedicure. Come with a friend, mom, or your partner!
We are happy to list local businesses and individuals who have set up their own fundraisers for the Brown / Hainey family. If you would like your fundraiser featured on this page, please contact us here and select “fundraising” from the drop down list.
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