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Coworkers crowdfunding for victim of Okotoks house fire

Weekend fire that destroyed two houses is only the latest tragedy for woman who lost her spouse 18 months ago.

Crowdfunding efforts have been started for one of the victims of Sunday's house fires.

A GoFundMe started by friends and coworkers aims to give a helping hand to Michella Sawatzky, whose home was destroyed on Sept. 5 in a blaze that claimed two houses and damaged others.

"She's just starting — tonight she gets into a hotel for the first time and is starting to regroup about things, but this would be helpful waiting for insurance to come through," said Sharlene Brown, who works with Sawatzky at Okotoks Montessori.

"And quite a few things don't happen with insurance, like having to pay the deposit on the rental they secure - just little things you don't anticipate, so we just thought we would put it out there."

The Okotoks resident has had no shortage of tragedy to overcome in recent years.

"This has been quite a year for her, and (she) lost her husband a year and a half ago," Brown said.

"We're really close with her, we're a pretty tight group and really love her."

The GoFundMe description reads:

We are friends and coworkers of Michella Sawatzky and are devastated that she lost her entire home Sunday Sept 5th in the house fires that occured in Sheep River, Okotoks.

We are raising funds for Michella to help offset costs, like replacement of clothing etc as well as other things that insurance may not cover.

Michella has had many losses in her life, including the loss of her spouse 1 1/2 years ago to cancer.

We would simply like to show Michella the love of her community and come together to help her through this difficult time.

It can be found at https://gofund.me/9b8a9990

 

 

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