Thetis Island Fire - Community Support Needed
Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11:23AM
As many of you have already heard, two women have suffered an unimaginable loss after a devastating house fire destroyed their home, Grete and Jackie. The fire claimed everything they owned—their home, vehicles, cell phones, identification, treasured photographs, artwork, keepsakes, clothing, and the memories collected over a lifetime.
As always, the Thetis Island community has shown incredible compassion when neighbours are in need. We are now asking for your support once again.
At this time, we are gratefully accepting donations of:
● Medium-size women’s clothing
● Size 8 women’s shoes for Jackie and size 36 narrow for Grete
● Small/Medium women’s underwear (new only)
● Socks (new)
● T-shirts
● cellphones and prepaid minutes if anyone has these available.
Donation bins and a donation jar have been set up at Thetis Island Marina & Pub. See Dianne in the office for larger donations by cheque for receipt.
In the coming days, the women will also need transportation to Duncan to replace their essential identification, including driver’s licences, birth certificates, and passports.
Emergency Management Cowichan manager Matt, travelled to Thetis Island today and has met with both ladies and provided emergency funding for temporary shelter, food, and immediate necessities for the next 3–4 nights. After that, they will need longer-term assistance while they begin rebuilding their lives. I am currently working to secure an extension of that emergency support.
Once they are able to obtain permanent housing, they will essentially be starting from nothing and will need all the basic household necessities. We will share those needs as they arise.
A community fundraiser is also being organized, and I will share the details as soon as everything has been finalized.
Finally, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteer firefighters and all emergency responders. Their tireless efforts prevented this tragedy from becoming an even larger disaster. They worked relentlessly to protect neighbouring homes, contain the fire, and ensure everyone remained safe.
Thank you for everything you do for our island. I sincerely hope our volunteer firefighters are finally getting some well-earned rest.
With gratitude,
Hedi Steen
Cowichan Emergency Support Services Coordinator (Thetis Island)
226-931-2891 hedi43@icloud.com
