AUNDECK OMNI KANING—A Sunday evening fire in Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) completely engulfed a family home in the community’s newer subdivision, Amelia Heights, displacing the large family of Jefferey Shawana that had just moved into the larger home. Thankfully, everyone living in the home was safely accounted for.
The Shawana family had been living in a smaller house just across the street from the one that was destroyed, but with seven children, that previous home was decidedly cramped. The family was excited to be moving into a much larger house that could better accommodate them.
“They had just moved in all of their furniture,” said AOK Chief Patsy Corbiere. “Now they have lost everything they owned.”
Although the building itself was insured, it was not yet clear as of press time whether contents were insured.
An appeal has gone out from the band office for clothing donations for the family. Sizes needed are mother, large, father size XXL and for the children boys sizes XL, large and 2-3, and four girls sizes 10-13, 6-7, 5-6, and 2-3. All donations are greatly appreciated. Clothing can be dropped off to the AOK FN health centre (beside the Manitoulin Legal Clinic) at 128 Hill Street.
Any inquiries can be made to 705-368-3171.
“The owner of the house lives in Sudbury and was just recently down,” said Chief Corbiere. “She was really pleased with how the trees have all grown up and how well the house looked.”
The cause of the fire was not yet determined as of press time Monday, but firefighters on the ground suspect the source might have been a propane leak from a barbecue.
Firefighters from the Aundeck Omni Kaning fire department were able to contain the fire to the Shawana home, but that home is a complete write-off.
The Manitoulin Expositor will be posting information on further fundraising efforts for the family on our webpage at Manitoulin.com as it becomes available.
