As published in the Houston Today Dec. 14 issue, in the story “Nadina Truck Service fire,” the company building burnt down on Dec. 6 at around 1 a.m., leaving approximately 32 employees and families temporarily out of work.
Shortly after, an anonymous American trucker donated an undisclosed amount to employees of Nadina Truck Service.
“I won’t say his name or the company he operates, he wouldn’t have wanted that,” said Henry Fennema, owner of Nadina Truck Service.
At the Bulkley Valley Credit Union (BVCU), a Nadina employee’s donation account has been set up to raise funds to provide these families with grocery store gift cards.
“We have started a fundraiser for the families of the employees that were affected by the fire that destroyed the Nadina Truck Service Ltd. building. Now that all these people are out of work I thought be would be much appreciated and a helpful idea to raise money and then with the funds raised buy grocery gift cards. Hopefully we can take some stress off the holidays for these families as they make new job arrangements and such. I really hope all the communities in the Bulkley Valley can get involved,” said Kelly Jaarsma, a resident of Houston.
Jaarsma has contacted Safeway in Smithers about the temporary program, and says that they eager to support the cause.
“I really hope that everybody will donate, even the smallest amount between a few people still adds up. I’m sure these families are feeling a bit scared and uncertain about what the future will hold, but I want them to be able to wake up on Christmas, and hopefully this whole month, feeling that stress released,” said Jaarsma.
Donations can be made at any BVCU branch in Houston, Smithers, Hazleton, and Burns Lake. So far $1200 has been donated. The goal is to present these gift cards before Christmas, with the potential of continuing this gift of giving for New Years depending on much money is raised.
DH Manufacturing is also working on hiring employees from Nadina Truck Service temporarily until the company is back up and running.
“We’re trying to hire two people to work here. We’ve just started sending out information but haven’t had any responses yet. We want to do what we can to help support these people in our community during this difficult time,” commented Dustin Hotte, General Manager of DH Manufacturing.
“We’re thankful to the Lord that one got hurt. And we’re just thankful for the way we’ve be treated by the community. It’s humbling. At the end of the day, God is good, and the people are fantastic,” commented Fennema.
Until Nadina Truck Service is able to move forward, the company has set up a small temporary parts store right besideWilson Brothers Enterprises in Houston where parts are still being ordered for customers.