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Community supports burned-out family

The Doucette family in Noel, located west of Truro, lost their house in a fire that broke out just after midnight Thursday morning.

In the days since, people in the community have come forward with donations.

“It was overwhelming,,'' Bruce Doucette told CTV News on Saturday, referring to donations of food and clothing his family has already received.

“There's just so much stuff there probably just 10 or 12 tables, maybe more. It was just piled there, you know, go through it, take whatever you want, whatever you need.''

Doucette, who was back at the site of his former home Saturday with other members of his family to tend animals on their farm, said the fire was devastating.

“It's still just as hard to see it now as it was the first time it was going,'' he said.

The family has been staying with a relative about an hour away.

Linda Winton, a member at the local United Church, said people in Noel have been eager to help.

“I called literally one person, and then went on to call one or two others and found out that she'd already called,'' Winton told CTV News.

The family still needs food and financial support.

The house was insured and the family plans to rebuild, but they need things like furniture to use wherever they end up staying in the meantime.

Doucette said the experience has solidified his desire to stay in Noel.

“Now that this has happened, it's even more strong that we want to be here,'' he said.

“People are friendly, and this is the kind of area I want my kids to grow up into.''

The church and local food bank are collecting donations, as is the Red Cross.