by Jason Blanke
A story about Dean and Lorrenda Southern moving their home from Brooks to Drumheller was featured on CTV News earlier this week. Almost every square foot of their home was vandalized before the house was moved, including the windows and doors as well as the kitchen, furnace and air conditioner. People vandalized nearly every square foot of their home before it was moved.
Having troubles with their insurance, Dean Southern and his family had cancelled their home policy believing that the movers insured them. However, they soon found out that this only covered the move, not vandalism before it. Fortunately, the community has stepped up to help and people from their church have already been working hard to help out. He states in amazement that when people are determined and work efficiently, a lot can be accomplished in a short time.
We’ve already gotten rid of a lot of the glass, taken care of a lot of the window issues, and we’re really grateful.
Dean explained that the home in Cambria is now on a new foundation and people have offered to help in any way they could after hearing their story. “We had four volunteers come out (Wednesday) and are grateful for that, and others will be coming out this weekend.”
Martin shares how they hope to move forward to rebuild this home as they have been working with a local interior designer since prior to the vandalism. Martin shares how they hope to move forward with Martin Interiors. Once we get some of the demolition done, we need to focus on getting the house secure so windows and doors will be the priority. Electrical will be here next week, after which plumbing and HVAC, etc., can begin.”
There is a Go Fund Me set up by friends to help the couple rebuild. The Go Fund Me reached more than $34,000 as of Friday morning. Martin says a local contractor has also offered to assist. The HVAC and plumbing are being handled by one local contractor who is very generously offering to help, so that’s a great start. They’ll be looking at flooring, plumbing fixtures, drywall, paint, interior doors, and so on.
Organizers plan to hold a volunteer work bee at the Cambria home on Saturday. Please contact Sheila Martin at Martin Interiors at 403-820-0224 if you are interested in volunteering or would like to contribute food for the volunteers, or perhaps items for the home.
In the wake of this setback, the family appreciates the support of Drumheller and the surrounding community.
Anyone with information about the incident, which occurred in Brooks in June, is asked to contact the Brooks RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
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