Comforting to know we can count on others

Dear Editor:
On Monday of last week, as we watched the CN hotel burning out of control, we were told by authorities not to return to our home. At that point, there was a strong wind from the south. There was concern however, that if the wind direction changed to the north, several homes on Third Street, including ours, would be at risk. We immediately entered our home (apparently we don’t follow instructions very well) and proceeded to remove items of value.
Within minutes, a large gathering of friends, neighbours, and people we didn’t even know, arrived at our door ready to help us carry items we value to safety. Within ten minutes, we had managed to remove a significant quantity of our belongings. In the end, because of the efforts of many people, and a benevolent wind, the fire was limited to the hotel.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to those who assisted us in our time of need. We would also like to express our gratitude to the fire crews from: Rainy River, Dawson, Baudette, and Williams. Kudos as well to the town crew for containing the flames by knocking down the south end of the hotel, potentially saving several homes.
It is comforting to know that when people in our community are faced with a potential disaster, the citizens of Rainy River can be counted on to help.
Thank you.
-Bob and Brigitt McGreevy