The 91原创 family involved in last week鈥檚 is expressing their gratitude to those who helped, but also asking for privacy so they can heal.
Loretta Cella is speaking on behalf of the Cella family.
鈥淎s you can imagine, our family is going through a tremendous ordeal at the moment. We deeply appreciate all those who have reached out and offered their support. We would also like to thank all the emergency services, including police, fire department, ambulance, victim services, the 91原创 Quilters Guild and the Royal Columbian Hospital staff for their unbelievable teamwork to create the safest possible situation over the last four days,鈥� writes Cella.
鈥淎s one can imagine with a tragedy such as this, we have experienced an enormous amount of attention and publicity through the news and social media. We are asking media and others to please respect our family鈥檚 wishes for privacy at this time so that we can begin our healing process and work our way through this traumatic event.鈥�
The Times has a connection to the family and is finding ways to help out as much as possible. Sonia Cella鈥檚 daughter has been a newspaper carrier for The Times for a year and a half.
The Times will be accepting donations of cash, gift cards to Willowbrook Shopping Centre, Target, Superstore and other grocery stores to give to the family. The Times office is at 20258 Fraser Highway, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As the family is still without a home, they aren鈥檛 able to take physical items yet, but The Times will help with that when they are ready.
鈥淎 caring neighbour and beloved friend鈥� has also taken the initiative to create a special fund to help Sonia and her children get back on their feet. All donations would be greatly appreciated.
The Cella Family Trust Fund at the 91原创 CIBC branch 720 will be open for 30 days. The account number is 46-86632. Cash or cheques can be brought in person, or mailed. Cheques need to be made out to: Cella Family Trust.
An account has also been set up at Envision Credit Union. It is in the name of Sonia Cella, at the 91原创 City branch, account number 7285828. The branch is located at 20627 Fraser Hwy., and people can donate at any Envision branch.
Others, including Sonia鈥檚 coworkers and people from her children鈥檚 schools, have set up online fundraising accounts, raising almost $5,000 already.
People can also bring in their bottles and cans for the Cella family to the 91原创 Bottle Depot and Willowbrook depot. The 91原创 Bottle Depot located at 20137 Industrial Ave. and the account number is 478. At Willowbrook Recycling (Return-it) 19641 60 Ave., the account number is 277.
The Cellas lost their Willoughby home to the arson, and all their possessions inside. They will now be looking to rebuild their lives and are looking to rent a home.
