Islanders have been deeply moved by the plight of a large refugee family left homeless by a fire in Charlottetown last week.
Close to 100 people have called to offer donations of food, clothing and money among other items, says Catherine Mullally, co-chair of the refugee committee with St. Pius X parish that sponsored the family to be able to escape the turmoil in their home country of Colombia.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with calls,” said Mullally. “People just say, ‘What can we do?’ It’s a wonderful outpouring of generosity.”
Mullally says plenty of furniture and clothes have been donated, but noted further donations of bunk beds with mattresses as well as money would be greatly welcomed.
Two nuns called to pay for one night’s accommodation for the family of nine.
The parish will cover the cost of putting the family up at a Charlottetown hotel until the end of the week as a new home is sought.
Fire on Friday morning left Cenaida Ortiz, 32, and eight of her children in need of new accommodations. The mother was on the first floor with three of her children, ranging in age from three months to four years old, when a fire started on the second floor of a duplex on Edward Street.
The mother and children, along with an English tutor, escaped injury. Ortiz’s remaining children were in school.
Ortiz came to Charlottetown with her family in April, leaving behind a life of strife in Colombia.
St. Pius X parishioners have embraced the family, doing all they can to help the refugees settle in Charlottetown and begin a new life.
Mullally says those wishing to make further donations of money can do so through the St. Pius X refugee committee by calling 894-8380 or dropping by the parish at 106 St. Peters Rd. from 8:30 to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday.