Southey Community Rallies to Support Family After Devastating Fire

UPDATE: A devastating house fire in Southey, Saskatchewan, on November 8, 2023, has turned the lives of the Gerock family upside down. Elaine Gerock was cleaning dishes while her husband, Ron, watched a Saskatchewan Roughriders game when a smoke alarm alerted them to a blaze in their home. The family narrowly escaped, but their house is now a total loss.

Firefighters responded swiftly after the family called 911, but the flames had already consumed much of the structure. “You just kind of knew it was gone,” Elaine recalled, watching the thick, black smoke billow from the windows. Tragically, the family’s beloved cat, Asher, is missing, and Elaine fears she may not have escaped.

The Gerock family lost nearly everything they had built over the past 27 years. The emotional toll is immense. “It’s somebody’s whole life,” said Elaine, reflecting on the memories tied to their home. However, the Southey community, with a population of just over 800, has stepped up in an extraordinary way.

Angela Davis, a longtime friend of the Gerocks, offered her empty home to the family. “It was just a no-brainer,” she stated, highlighting the spirit of support that has defined the town since the fire. The Davis family had moved to a nearby farm, leaving their previous home mostly furnished. Now, that house will serve as a temporary refuge for the Gerocks as they rebuild their lives.

The community’s response has been nothing short of overwhelming. Donations of food, clothing, bedding, and furniture have flooded in. As of Thursday evening, a GoFundMe campaign organized by the family’s son-in-law has raised nearly $36,000. This financial support is crucial as Elaine focuses on settling her family into their new temporary home.

Elaine expressed her gratitude, stating, “In less than a week, they’ve given us a new start.” She is trying to navigate the immediate challenges of living out of boxes and grocery bags while acknowledging the kindness surrounding them. “Our lives were turned upside down less than a week ago, and you’ve given us a new start,” she emphasized.

As the Gerock family begins the process of recovery, they are leaning on the outpouring of support from their neighbors. “When misfortune hits, you just step in and do whatever you can,” Davis shared, reinforcing the communal bond that has emerged in the face of tragedy.

The family is taking it one day at a time, with Elaine’s main goal being to find some stability amidst the chaos. The community’s compassion is proving that even in the darkest moments, hope and kindness can shine through.

Authorities and local leaders continue to support the Gerocks, ensuring they have the resources needed to move forward. As Southey comes together to aid one of its own, the story of resilience and solidarity is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Gerock family begins to rebuild their lives after this tragic incident.