'Grateful is an understatement': Calgary family thanks community for help after townhome destroyed

Community shows up for a family in need A family that lost everything in an explosion is thanking the community for a holiday season to remember.

One of the Calgary families who lost everything in an October explosion is thanking the community for a holiday season to remember.

Gladys Betonio-Werbisky, her husband Greg and three-year-old son Tatum are in a new home after theirs was destroyed earlier this year.

Fire tore through the Las Americas Villas townhouse complex on Laguna Way N.E. on Oct. 5.

Three two-storey townhomes were destroyed and a fourth was damaged.

The family was away when the explosion happened.

"When the phone rang, I just felt the whole world's weight fall on our shoulders," Gladys said.

"It was a really bad nightmare."

The family was forced to a friend's home without any possessions, and without quick movement in the insurance process, they realized help was needed.

A family member launched a GoFundMe, and the community started donating items.

Within days, the family felt the weight lift.

"My mom and tons of my mom's neighbours helped out so much, dropping off clothes," Greg told CTV News.

"And my fantasy hockey team dropped off tons of stuff."

"And the funds just kept coming," Gladys added.

"The donations and the toys and clothing, it was like Christmas Day every day for our son. So, the feeling of being grateful is an understatement."

In total, more than $26,000 has been donated.

The family points to the generosity of family, friends and co-workers with the City of Calgary and the Peter Lougheed Hospital, saying they wouldn't be where they are today without the boost.

The insurance claims haven't been resolved, but the family is in a new home and together for the holidays.

"Everything in this room is donated," Greg said.

"Both the couches, the TV and the coffee table, which is amazing."

His wife agrees.

"As long as you guys just have the love and you have each other as a family, I think that's the greatest gift you can ever get," Gladys said.

A neighbouring family also tells CTV News they were helped by family and friends and now find themselves settled into a new home.

They would like to see the man who police say intentionally caused the explosion punished further.

Currently, 40-year-old Gavin Peter Robinson is facing charges for arson and disregard for human life.

He'll next appear in court in the new year.