NEW VINEYARD — People are rallying around Chris Bourque and his son, Curtis, 6, who lost their belongings and home on New Vineyard Road to fire Tuesday night.
Bourque’s mother, whom they had lived with, died about a month ago.
Chris Bourque was not home at the time the fire was reported. His son and a baby sitter escaped without injury. The fire started in the barn area and was likely caused by wood ashes that were improperly disposed, fire Chief Doug Churchill said previously.
There was no insurance on the property.
Barbii Richards, Bourque’s co-worker at SmartStyle at the Farmington Walmart, set up a GoFundMe fundraiser online at www.gofundme.com/n9o4ms to help the family.
“All of us at SmartStyle are trying to do as much as possible to help Chris and Curtis,” Richards said in a message. “We are a pretty close team there, like family, really. Chris and Curtis are wonderful people who have gone through so much in the last few months. Chris still hasn’t been able to deal with the loss of his mom last month, so losing everything in this fire has really been devastating to them.”
Representatives of the Mallett School in Farmington, where Curtis is a first-grader, sent a letter to parents Friday, inviting them to help support the family.
The school will collect clothing, toys, games and money for the family through the month of March.
School staff will serve a benefit supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the school at Middle and Quebec streets. The cost is $10 for a family of four and $4 for individuals. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
At the dinner, school representatives will also take donations of clothing and toys for the Bourques.
On the same night, the school’s Parent Teacher Association is hosting a free family movie night featuring “Winnie the Pooh.” It will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the gym. There will be popcorn. Those who plan to attend can bring a blanket, cushion and/or pillow.
According to the school’s letter, Curtis enjoys anything related to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Pokemon.
Clothing sizes are men’s XXL shirts and 40/32 pants; and boys’ 7/8 clothes and shoes.
dperry@sunmediagroup.net
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