BARRHEAD-The family of a Meadowview couple who lost their home to a fire last week has set up a GoFundMe page.
On April 15, a cooking accident started a fire that quickly spread and destroyed Clifford and Diana Sanderson's home of more than 55 years.
In addition to losing their home, the couple suffered injuries from the fire.
Cliff, 79, was treated and released for smoke inhalation and a wound on his foot, from the Barrhead Healthcare Centre.
"I took him just to get him checked out," said his son Kal during an April 20 interview. "He was running around the house in just his socks on trying to put out the fire and he stepped on an ember or something and did not even know it."
As for Diana, who is 76, she was transported to the University of Alberta Hospital burn unit to treat burns on her shoulders. She also suffered from smoke inhalation and had to spend two days on a ventilator.
"But she's improving," Kal said.
Two weeks before the fire, the couple celebrated their 56th anniversary.
Both Diana and Cliff were born and raised in the Meadowview/Cherhill area. Kal said a Sanderson has been farming the property for more than a hundred years, noting Cliff bought the property from his father.
Cliff, besides being a farmer, is a journeyman carpenter and built the house with the help of friends and neighbours shortly after the couple were married. It was their first and only home.
In addition to building their home, Kal said his father helped build many other homes for people in the region, also led a contingent to construct two major additions to the old Meadowview Community Hall.
"They loved to square dance," Kal said of his parents, adding his father was also an avid softball and baseball player. "He also loved to play hockey, playing with the Rich Valley Relics.
Kal said he has received many calls from people in the community wanting to help his parents.
"It has been a bit overwhelming," he said, adding the offers to help have ranged from everything to helping with the cleanup of the site to trailers and recreation vehicles for his parents to stay in.
However, the family decided the best thing to do was to set up a GoFundMe page.
"We set it up because we figured it was the easiest thing for everyone. People can let my parents know that they are thinking of them and [my parents] can get whatever they need," Kal said.
He added his parents are taken back by the support and well wishes they continue to receive from people in the community.
"It is very much appreciated, it means a lot to them and the rest of the family," he said.
To donate, go to GoFundMe.com and type in Cliff and Diana in the search bar.
