LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Early in the morning of Oct. 23, Vicky Gargan's residence was in bad shape.

Stella Nadia, left, has been helping her sister Vicky Gargan renovate Gargan's home. - April Hudson/NNSL photo

Pieces of drywall were missing from the walls; the tiled floor was chipped and cracked and the ceiling was heavily discoloured due to soot from the house's fireplace.

Large water bottles sat near the entrance - Gargan's only source of water since the pipes froze.

By Oct. 27, one could have been forgiven for thinking they had walked into a different house altogether.

After a request for help from Gargan's sister Stella Nadia began circulating on social media, the siblings were overwhelmed with offers of assistance.

Community members began donating the materials necessary for a massive fix-up of the ailing structure.

"The place was in really bad shape. When we started, I thought to myself, 'We're opening up a can of worms,'" said Nadia on Oct. 27, pausing after applying another coat of donated paint to the newly repaired walls.

"Within an hour of posting, we got all the paint, mud and drywall we needed, as well as two brand-new doors with frames attached."

The doors were donated by Hilda Gerlock and her husband Mark, while friend Norm Prevost gave paint, mud and screws. Other community members chipped in as well, some buying couches and some dropping by the house to help out. Gargan also received linoleum to replace the tile flooring.

"We've had some really good help," Gargan said.

Gargan has lived in the house for three years with Alan Bonnetrouge, known in the community as "Chubby."

The house is a refuge in all seasons for people without homes who need a place to sleep.

Bonnetrouge, a harvester, brings home wild game and Gargan cooks meals for those who stay with them.

"A lot of it comes out of our own pockets," Gargan said.

Nadia said the house was on the verge of being condemned prior to the donations.

"The thing I really take away from this is that, in times of need, community members come forward and help out," she said.

Gargan and Nadia are still on the lookout for a new fridge and hope to have renovations completed by Oct. 30.

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