Image: GoFundMe via Ainsley Murdock / The neighbour who organized an online fundraising drive for a single mother of two boys (pictured) whose Cultus Lake home was completely destroyed by a fire on Easter Sunday says the family has found temporary housing. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Family displaced by fire

Family displaced by Cultus Lake fire has found temporary housing as community support pours in

Apr 3, 2024 | 9:03 AM

CULTUS LAKE — The neighbour who organized an online fundraising drive for a single mother of two boys whose Cultus Lake home was completely destroyed by a fire on Easter Sunday says the family has found temporary housing.

According to an update from Ainsley Murdock, Serena and her two sons have found a place to live until the end of June. Their Spruce Street home was destroyed when their dryer caught fire and spread throughout the home. Less than 24 hours after the terrible ordeal for the family, Murdock started a fundraiser for the family of three.

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has donated towards getting Serena back on her feet,” Murdock said. “We have figured out a place for her to stay until the end of June so her son can continue finishing the year up at his school.”

Chilliwack-area individuals have stepped up to assist the family with donations of toys, clothes and necessities, Murdock says.

“We thank you all for helping Serena, Lynden and Theo,” Murdock said. “At this time, we are shifting focus into getting Serena’s home restarted. If you’re looking to make physical donations, please feel free to message me. Anything that is donated and duplicated or Serena can’t use at this time, will be donated towards charities in Chilliwack.”

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The appeal to help Serena and her two boys on GoFundMe has generated over $10,600 in donations as of Wednesday morning, as more and more people have expressed an interest in helping the family, Murdock said.

“They’ve been a huge part of the local community,” Murdock said of the family on GoFundMe. “She (Serena) has been attending Southside Church for the last 6 years. She works for the Chilliwack School District as an Education Assistant and has personally worked with so many of the children here in Chilliwack. We are asking for your help to get her back on her feet. She’s needing her community now more than ever.”