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Northern News Services
The Rankin Inlet Volunteer Fire Brigade has launched an effort to help a local family who lost all its vehicles in a garage fire this past month.
 Rankin Inlet fire Chief Ambrose Karlik, left, and deputy chief Greg Sim survey the damage caused by a garage fire this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
The Christmas season lost a good deal of its festive spirit for the Angidlik family when the garage caught fire on Christmas Eve.
The flames destroyed every from of transportation the family had and the vehicles were not insured against fire damage in the dwelling they were housed in.
Rankin's deputy chief, Greg Sim, says fire department members wanted to do something to help the family.
He says the Inuksugait Committee was approached about the matter and the two groups sat down at a special meeting on Jan. 19 to discuss fundraising options.
"The members of our fire brigade were really touched when they heard a family member come on the local radio to explain the family's situation after the fire," says Sim.
"Basically, they were looking for cash donations to be able to buy at least a Honda.
"They use this transportation for the father -- who is confined to a wheelchair -- to go hunting, fishing and to participate in other community functions."
Representatives from the fire brigade and the Inuksugait Committee decided to launch a joint fundraising campaign during their Jan. 19 meeting.
"Once we collect enough, we'll go over to a local retailer as a fire brigade, along with some of our other partners we hope to attract in this project, make a purchase and then make a presentation to the family," Sim says.
"We want to do what we can to help the Angidlik family and lessen their burden.
"However, as a fire brigade, we also feel obligated to point out to the community that insurance is a cheap alternative to replacing everything you own."
Sim says anyone wanting to contribute to the fundraising effort can contact the Rankin Inlet fire department or the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre.
