An early morning fire on Feb. 23 destroyed the Hilliers home of Ceri and John Peacey. The couple released a statement to the PQB News, thanking the community for its efforts in the aftermath of the blaze:
On the morning of Sunday, Feb. 23, our world changed in an instant. A devastating fire took our home and so much of our family history, but what remains — and what moves us to tears — is the overwhelming kindness we have received from friends, neighbours and even complete strangers.
When the fire crews arrived, we had no leash for our reactive dog. Between the flames, the chaos, and the firefighters in bulky suits, Obi lost it. In that moment, our dear friends and neighbours, Leslie and Adam Love, answered my call with a leash and treats, helping us manage one of many overwhelming challenges.
My post on Facebook brought people running. "Our home is burning to the ground." Sue Johnson was one of the first on the scene, immediately offering us a furnished basement suite without hesitation. She and Darrell opened their home and their hearts to us, and we will never forget their kindness. I can't even begin to list all of Sue's kind acts.
As we stood at the road — 400 meters away from what was left of our home — still in our pajamas, clutching only a phone, laptop, and tablet, our neighbours were already there, handing us cash and clothing. Arrowsmith Independent School organized a clothing drive, and Shelley Gibling launched a GoFundMe on our behalf. Gina Adams brought fruit and water, knowing my health issues and wanting to prevent my sugars from crashing. That night our wonderful vet, Ashley from the Qualicum Beach Animal Hospital, personally delivered Obi’s special food and medications to make sure he was taken care of.
Bosley’s pet store donated items for Obi, and Melissa there placed a silver bracelet on my wrist — a beautiful symbol of new beginnings. Later, while standing in line at Quality Foods, the florist overheard what we had been through and handed me a brightly coloured gerbera daisy — another symbol of hope and renewal.
Ron Scildroth and the entire Coombs Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department, along with all the firehouses that responded that night, we owe you our deepest gratitude. We are only thankful this didn’t happen in August. A few days later, during a follow-up visit with the fire investigators, the Chief’s second-in-command noticed the remnants of a photo album among the wreckage and lifted it from the debris. My friend Gina Adams retrieved it, carefully salvaging what she could — one of the few precious pieces of our past that survived.
Steve Thiessen arrived that evening with donations from his faith group, offering us new clothes and a reminder that we were not alone. Merchants have been incredibly generous — Bert from Arrowsmith Automotive even lent us his runabout to help us get back on our feet.
The biggest hurdle was that our wallets and keyfobs were in the house.
We are still wearing donated clothing (and my husband has never been so fashionable). The loss of our home, our antiques, our family history — it is immeasurable. But the kindness that has surrounded us has been even greater. It's the kind acts that bring me to tears.
To everyone who donated, delivered cards with cash, left out food, and kept watch for our dear cat, Smudge — we see you, we thank you and we hope, with all our hearts, that he made it. There's no way to properly thank everyone who reached out — but you know who you are and thank you. The next leg of our journey will soon begin with help from other friends and neighbours — Brad and Joann McArthur.
With endless gratitude,
Ceri and John Peacey
