Online campaign seeks to rebuild La Ronge man’s home

A son is hoping to bring back a piece of his father’s livelihood after he lost his home in a wildfire.

Clayton Bell has put together a GoFundMe campaign in order to raise money to help his father Jack rebuild his home.

“My dad, he built traditionally because he is treaty, he doesn’t have insurance on the property itself,” said Bell. “It’s been used by Lac La Ronge Indian Band members, that area, for quite some time.”

The cabin was destroyed when the Egg fire in the La Ronge area ripped through the Nemeiben Lake area, where the building stood. 

Bell said that his father has used the cabin for years, not just as a home but also as a hunting cabin to provide for his family.

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

3h ago

WORLD SOFTBALL

Group stages officially set for Men's Softball World Cup in P.A.

10h ago

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

Apr 23, 2024

“That was his life out there, all of his fishnets, traps and his home,” said Bell. “That’s where he lived.”

Unlike most GoFundMe campaigns that have a set goal to reach, Bell set the amount at one dollar, asking that people only provide what they could.

“Whether it be a dollar, 50 cents, whatever people are willing to help, every little bit would be appreciated,” said Bell. “He basically just got out there in time, and basically had just enough time to grab his rifle, a few pictures on the wall and basically a few clothes on his back.”

Bell explained that the rifle was important because it is one of the only ways that Jack can continue to hunt and provide for his family.

He added the only other thing Jack was able to save was his quad by driving it into the lake so it would be away from the flames. However, the dock was destroyed as well.

The campaign has been running for seven days and so far has been able to gather up about $3,310, however this is far from what Bell will need to bring back his father’s home.

“I would guess probably about 15 to 20 thousand dollars would probably rebuild him a good home where he wouldn’t have to worry about it for the rest of his life,” said Bell. “We’re not going to hire contractors, I’m going to come down from Yellowknife and when we’re rebuilding it will be pretty much just family and friends and whoever can lend a hand.”

For now Jack is staying with family while he continues to let his loss sink in slowly.

The community has showed a lot of support though, even Transwest Air donated $1,000 to help bring back Jack’s home.

Authorities have reported that the Egg fire and the three other offending wildfires have since burned down and are no longer a threat to the communities in the Lac La Ronge area.

If you are interested in donating to this campaign, click here.

jbowler@panow.com

On Twitter: @journalistjim