Woman who sought help for Marlene Bird organizes fundraiser

“He said ‘I need an ambulance, a woman’s been burnt,’ or something,” she said. “We just quite didn’t understand him and we were trying to talk to him. We just weren’t understanding what he was saying, so my friend called 911. But we couldn’t direct the 911 people to the area because we weren’t there, so we had to go to where she was.”

Bird was located outside of the Margo Fournier Center near the rear of the building.

Free said her friend was walking ahead of her and when she made it around the corner, her friend was already where Marlene Bird was. When he looked at Free, she said his face was white. She ran over to Bird, whom she knew was still alive because she looked right up at Free.

“She talked to me for a minute there,” Free said. “I’m sure she recognized me. I just stayed right where she could see me until everybody got there, which was within a minute, maybe even less.”

Paramedics appeared to have difficulty finding the location where Bird was at, and Free said her friend chased the vehicle to get their attention and direct them to the spot.

She said that when Bird spoke, she said “help me, help me.” Free said she didn’t get too close to Bird. “I knew there was nothing I could do. I just basically stood where she could see me.”

She described what she saw as horrific. “Just to even – to think that that someone could do that to another person. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at and … The strength that she has to have gone through that and survive was amazing.”

Marlene Bird was left with burns that required a double leg amputation, skin grafts and facial reconstruction surgery. She is recovering in the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. Police have reviewed hours of videotape given to them by area business owners after they issued a call for security footage. No suspects have been identified or arrested.

Free said she’s still in shock over the incident.

Free used to be a resident of Prince Albert, but left the city in March. She had lived in the Prince Albert since she was 13 and worked in local bars for 20 years. Since Marlene Bird’s assault, Free has been a lot more careful and doesn’t go out at night.

She said her eyes are wide open now after the experience, and said it’s a level of violence she’s never experienced in her life. “And no one ever should.”

She’s taking time off work not only to organize the July 6 barbecue fundraiser in Kinsmen Park for Bird, but also for herself. “I just couldn’t sit and do nothing. And … I wanted to get out here and do something for her, so I just decided to organize this barbecue and I’ve just been getting a great response.”

She’s had donations from Maple Leaf Foods in Saskatoon, and she’s raised $350 in gift cards for condiments and buns. Local entertainers will also be taking part, including Constant Reminder, Leonard Adams, and Jake Felix.

The fundraiser will run from around 11 a.m. or 12 noon to 6 p.m. or when organizers run out of food.

“I’ve been putting myself out there the last week or so … knocking on doors, introducing myself to people on what my intentions are.”

All of the funds raised will go to a trust set up through the Prince Albert Grand Council and Montreal Lake Cree Nation for Marlene Bird. Free said that for any expenses Bird has, she wants to make sure she has no financial woes when she starts her recovery at home.

And when Bird has recovered to the point that she is out of the hospital, Free plans to contact her.

“Even if she just needed someone to talk to, I would be there. I admire her strength.”

To donate gift cards or to make a donation to the barbecue, contact Free at (306) 314-0305 or donate through the YWCA website and direct the funds to the barbecue.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames

by Thia James

Woman who sought help for Marlene Bird organizes fundraiser

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