By David Klassen

Firefighters extinguish a blaze at 502 Langside Street on April 4, 2012. (BERNICE PONTANILLA / METRO WINNIPEG)
A West End resident who lost everything in a house fire on April 4 is getting a helping hand from a local non-profit community group.
The electrical fire at 502 Langside Street ripped through the one-storey home, destroying virtually all of its contents.
The owner didn’t have insurance and relied on selling recycled materials to get by. Now the Spence Neighbourhood Association has stepped forward to solicit monetary donations from the public to help the owner find a new place to live.
The donations will help the individual secure a damage deposit for housing, and any immediate furniture that will be needed. Any donation of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt.
Donations can be made at 615 Ellice Avenue Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online at SpenceNeighbourhood.org. Be sure to note the donation is for the “Emergency Response Project.”
Damage to the home is estimated at $100,000.