Retired hospital housekeeper Val Green spent decades caring for this community. After a Nov. 13 fire destroyed her home, the community is being asked to help care for her.
When Val Green woke up on Nov. 13, she was supposed to be heading into her first quiet Christmas as a retiree. Instead, she watched her home burn to the ground.
Green, known throughout her family as Nan, lost every belonging she owned after a duplex fire on 57A Street destroyed her unit. She just retired after years working at the Lloydminster Hospital, quietly caring for others long before herself. Now, during the season she loved most, she is starting over from nothing.
In the days before the fire, Green had done what she always does each November. She decorated every corner of her home. She wrapped presents for her children and grandchildren. She set out the pieces that made Christmas feel like Christmas.
Hours later, all of it was gone.
The cause of the fire has not been identified. Because the scene remains under investigation by multiple insurance and regulatory agencies, Green has not been allowed to enter. She has no access to clothing, medication, personal items, pet supplies or sentimental keepsakes. Everything is presumed lost due to fire, smoke and water.
She is now staying in a motel. The Red Cross support period has ended. Each night comes with a bill she cannot manage on a fixed retirement income.
Even in the first moments after the fire, Green’s concern was not for her belongings. It was for her pets. Her family says her first instinct was to ask: “Are they safe?” It is who she is. Even while standing in front of total loss, she cared first for the lives depending on her.
A fundraiser is now underway to help her replace basic essentials, cover temporary housing and begin rebuilding a sense of home. Organizers hope the community will step forward during the holiday season to support someone who spent her life helping others behind the scenes. If you can support her, you can head to the GoFundMe here : Val Green Fundraiser
Read more: VIDEO/GALLERY: Fire consumes home on city’s west side
