A West Dawson, Yukon resident who misplaced his cabin to a hearth final month now has a brand new place to name house because of the assist of his neighbours, and neighborhood.
Ray Gravel stated he’s nonetheless mentally devastated over the loss, however is overwhelmingly grateful for his new cabin which stands a number of metres away from the place his previous cabin was.
One in all Gravel’s neighbours, Cud Eastbound, who can also be a Dawson Metropolis municipal councillor, spearheaded the initiative to assist get Gravel again on his ft by beginning a GoFundMe marketing campaign that raised simply over $33,000 thousand {dollars}. Together with cash, folks provided any assist they might, he stated.
“I believe it is very encouraging to see how great our neighborhood is,” Eastbound advised CBC Information. “Donating back-breaking work, or donating financially to purchase provides. Lots of people that did not even know him — they simply confirmed as much as help.”
Gravel declined a recorded interview with CBC Information however stated his home caught fireplace solely half-hour after consuming his dinner on the night of Sept 5. He stated he watched his home burn from his driveway.
The precise reason for the fireplace continues to be unknown, however officers have stated it was most likely attributable to a leaking propane tank saved inside the construction.
The aftermath of a home fireplace in West Dawson, close to Dawson Metropolis, Yukon. (Chris MacIntyre/CBC )
Eastbound stated the brand new home is nearly prepared for Gravel to maneuver into forward of the winter. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless issues that must be accomplished to make it comfy.
“[We’ve] obtained to understand that as a result of we dwell on the west aspect, it’s worthwhile to have all of your freeze up provides,” Eastbound stated. ” A month or two months value of meals and provides and water. So I believe it’ll come right down to Ray’s choice as as to whether or not he desires to spend freeze up over right here or wait till freeze up is over after which transfer in.”
Eastbound stated earlier than the fireplace, he and Gravel would often run into one another alongside the path they each use. They might cease and chat briefly earlier than persevering with on with their day.
“He is a pleasant neighbour to me,” Eastbound stated. “Due to this tragedy and the neighborhood coming collectively, now I really feel like I’ve a brand new pal. It is at all times nice when neighbours turn out to be buddies.”
