Community supports Hodgins/Cockerell family

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Community supports Hodgins/Cockerell family
Clifford Welsh

A fundraiser party organized by Clarendon resident Karissa Rutledge, with help from parents Shawn and Patricia Rutledge, attracted close to 200 individuals to the Shawville RA Centre, Saturday, October 5. The event was held to raise funds for well-known Clarendon residents Doug and Reuben Hodgins and their nephew, Kyle Cockerell, and his family, who lost their home and garage to a devastating fire on August 27.

Family, friends and even total strangers attended the event paying a small admission of $6 to support Doug, Reuben and the Cockerel family, and to bid on silent auction items and buy raffle tickets for a variety of goods donated by local businesses and individuals.

Kyle Cockerell told the Journal he was absolutely overwhelmed by the support of the community which has rallied around his family in their time of need. “This sense of community is why I moved my family back to Clarendon after 15 years in the oil industry in Alberta.” remarked Cockerell. Singling out their good friend and neighbour, Shawn Rutledge, Cockerell said, “He was there 10 minutes after the fire trucks arrived and he hasn’t left our side since!” Rutledge was responsible for fabricating and donating a BBQ fire pit that was auctioned off at the event. Other items for auction included a 2-day, 2-night fishing trip with Outfitter Pourvorie Sopwith, donated by Ryan Tracy. Family friend Josh Rebertz, who has known Doug and Reuben “as long as he can remember”, provided his DJ skills and got folks up on the dance floor immediately with his great selection of music.

Total funds raised were not available at press time.

Photo – L/R: Kinsley and Kyle Cockerell, Doug and Reuben Hodgins, Kiera Cockerell and Kelsey Loughrey. (CW)