Sabrina Boucher, a registered practical nurse at Versa-Care, is in stable condition in hospital but her home and belongings were destroyed last week. A single mother of two children (who were not in the home at the time), Sabrina has been an RPN at the facility for 12 years.

Gail Gallant, administrator at Versa-Care, says everyone has pitched in to help their peer out during this trying time. "We've already taken care of Christmas needs," says Gallant, "but now we're moving on to clothing and personal items."

Many fundraisers have already been held, including bake sales, raffles and dress down days. For dress down days, staff pay $2 for the privilege of dressing in casual clothing, similar to United Way campaigns.

"Staff have really pulled together. We've also got the local media helping out," says Gallant, referring to The Chronicle-Journal, Thunder Bay's major newspaper.

Gallant says it is particularly noteworthy that families who used to have relatives at Versa-Care still keep in touch with what is going on in the facility, and learned of the fire. "Family members who have had loved ones pass away here have been really stepping in to help, too," she says.

The administrator says community members with no connection to the home at all have also been dropping off donations. If you would like to make a donation to the fundraiser, the facility's mailing address is 135 South Vickers Street, Thunder Bay ON P7E 1J2. Or you may call Gallant at (807) 623-9511 for more information.