Dear Editor,
Recently a friend of mine suffered a family tragedy as he watched his home burn to the ground. His clothes and all their possessions burned up in the flames. He and his wife along with five grandchildren were forced out into the night. In the dark of a cold windy winter’s night they watched twenty years rendered to ash. Their youngest daughter took them into her small rented trailer, but the surreal loss of their predicament weighted heavy on both Lenard and Edna Jenning. With no insurance to cover their loss, they were devastated. As a long time friend I wanted to help, as many that learned of this disaster were inclined. The community of Linaria decided to act with a potluck supper fundraiser. I was overwhelmed with the community response. Our local, Honorable MLA Maureen Kubinec took the stage to welcome them all. Thank you! She spoke of that small community spirit that lives in Alberta and I was there to witness the fact. Both old and new community members brought enough food to feed an army. The small rural community of Linaria can hold their heads high, for when a neighbour is in need, I watched them all, young and old bond together. From as far away as Calgary, members that grew up here and moved away came back for a night of moral and financial support. You can never get back all that was burned up in the fire, but the comradery in that room was priceless.
W. Krechuniak
