The day after fire destroyed four homes in the southeast community of Auburn Bay, an outpouring of support for the displaced residents has begun.
Several fundraisers, including a pumpkin sale, are underway, collecting money for victims of the neighbourhood fire.
Julie Bartman lives just a block away from the scene of the terrible fire. On Wednesday, Bartman sold hundreds of pumpkins out of her garage to raise cash for the displaced community members.
The pumpkins, donated by the Cranston Sobey’s and the Signal Hill Superstore, did not have price tags and people paid whatever they wanted for the festive vegetables.
In the first hour of sales, Bartman had collected nearly $1,000. She says Calgarians are anxious to help, as the fire was a tragedy which could have happened to nearly anyone.
“We were watching the fire from our bedroom window and realized it could have just as easily been us,” said Bartman. “We heard they didn't even have shoes when they left the house.”
“We wanted to do something, it will be a while before insurance kicks in, just to help them out.”
The local community association is also raising money for the victims of the fire as are several local businesses. Tail Blazers and Pooh Busters are accepting donated gift cards to help their neighbours replace possessions lost in the fire.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fire victims can contact the Auburn Bay Community Association
With files from CTV's Chris Epp
