In her column With Your Permission, freelance writer Constance Scrafield- Danby two weeks ago gave a first-hand account of the fire that destroyed the Hockley home she shared with husband Colin, two dogs and six cats.

They lost everything, including one dog, four cats and the silver stock for their jewelry business.

Her husband Colin suffered burns in the fire but has since been released from hospital and is reported healing well.

In her column, Constance was thankful for the many calls and offers to help they had received from friends, and it is some of her friends who have stepped up once again to help because they have thus far had little or no help from their insurer.

Anne Skeates and Maria DuBois have set up a trust fund to help the couple. Donations can be made at any TD bank. Transit number is 3160 and the account number is 628-8380. The trust fund is in the name of Anne Skeates and Maria DuBois, but "Colin and Constance Scrafield-Danby" should be written in the memo spot on a deposit slip or cheque.