Alicia Wallace
Rossland News
In the early hours of Nov. 12, Aaron and Sherelle Milburn’s rental property caught alight. The Milburn’s managed to retrieve their kittens Will and Lola from the Fourth Avenue house fire but everything they had worked so hard for the over the past few years was either destroyed or permanently damaged as a result of the fire.
It has been a traumatic time for the young newlyweds who are extremely grateful for the wider region’s assistance and support.
“From friends, family, business owners and the entire community, I don’t have the words to describe how it feels,” explains an overwhelmed Aaron.
The smoke inhalation Aaron Milburn suffered from immediately after the fire has cleared up now. “It was a really short term thing,” he said.
The Milburns moved into another rental property on Dec. 1 in upper Rossland and now, thanks to the extended community, have the essentials. One of the first things Aaron did was to go out and buy “four smoke detectors, a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a fire proof safe,” he said. “You tend to look at it differently after it happens to you,” he added.
People have just come out of the woodwork and offered their help and support to the Milburns. Some of the items lost as a result of the fire can never be replaced, however, with the amazing support from the surrounding communities, the newlywed couple have been able to begin replacing some of the common household items that they need to start over.
“Everybody has gone out of their way, whether it be a meal, a kitchen table, or a story — so many different people have helped us out...we have been mind blown by everything,” said an appreciative Aaron.
Several fundraising initiatives had been undertaken on behalf of the young couple. The couple say everyone has stepped up and provided such overwhelming support. Their biggest thing is ensuring everyone from family, friends, businesses and the wider community is acknowledged for everything they have done to support them.
“We are so incredibly grateful. I have cried more because of how much everyone has helped us out and we wouldn’t be nearly as together if it wasn’t for the amount of support from this community. We are so thankful to be living in this town, I am so proud to have been raised here, both of us are, it’s such a blessing,” Sherelle expressed.
“If anyone else is ever in our situation we will be the first ones to offer help,” Aaron added.