Loading articles...

Fort McMurray rallies to reveal new home for family

PHOTO. Nathalia Cordeau-Hilliard. Reporter. Firefighters prepare to reveal renovated home to Morgan family.

Thursday was the big reveal of the renovated Morgan family home in Timberlea.

Once again, the community of Fort McMurray came together to help a family in need, as 3-year-old Lily was born with Congenital Heart Failure causing her to tire easily and to be extremely susceptible to germs, creating a need for a face mask when guests visit.

Their home was in dire need of renovation for the sake of Lily’s health. Cold drafts and persistent mould were just some of the issues.

The community rallied together to renovate their family home while on they vacationed from Jan. 16 – 23, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Not only individuals volunteered their time, but at least 117 businesses contributed as well.

Upon arrival on Thursday afternoon, RCMP were blocking traffic towards the home, Fort McMurray and Suncor fire trucks were blocking the home from view and volunteers were still rushing with final touches before the Morgan’s arrived home.

The family arrived by fire truck shortly after 4 p.m. to a crowd of friends, neighbours and those who just wanted to show support lining the street in a frigid -13 degrees, most prepared with tissues for the emotional reveal, but they still hadn’t seen their new home – a fire truck was blocking the view.

Chanting of “Move the truck” started to build the anticipation. Once revealed there were tears from the family who couldn’t wait to step inside their new home.

Fort McMurray has once again stepped up to support their own, raising over $16,000, volunteering their time, donating home furnishings and more.