The support has been pouring in for Ron Hebert and his dog, Teeka, since the Thunder Bay man shared his story about a recent string of bad luck.
When lightning struck the Whalen Building in late May, Hebert’s car was damaged by falling debris – an incident he says his insurance would not cover. He then suffered an injury to his foot on the job before becoming one of the city’s flood victims on May 28.
For the past few weeks, he has been living in a tent in his backyard with his small dog, Teeka.
But since sharing his story of rotten luck, Hebert has been blown away by the community’s response.
“It’s amazing how many people step right up when you don’t have nothing,” he said Monday.
One of the first to offer assistance was Mayor Keith Hobbs, who stopped by Hebert’s James Street residence to help him fill out his flood assistance form and then brought him a mattress for the cot he’s been sleeping on in his tent.
“He went out of his way; he didn’t have to and he brought all that stuff to me,” said Hebert.
Several people have also offered him a place to stay, but with several of his items having already been stolen from his yard, Hebert doesn’t want to leave the rest of his belongings unattended.
Another couple has offered him money, but Hebert said he couldn’t accept their generosity.
“They have a child. He’s working, she’s not. I can’t take their money. It was so kind,” he said.
There have also been offers of food, a place to shower, tools to replace the ones stolen and dog food for Teeka.
“That’s the star of the show, it’s the dog,” said Hebert. “She’s been bringing out a lot of animal lovers, which is really nice to see.”
The support just doesn’t stop.
“My heart was beating like crazy, just flooding with appreciation for how much things people have been wanting to give me,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the people in the city.
“There are a lot of good people out there. They’re kind. They’re thoughtful. When I asked if there was any empathy, I got it,” said Hebert.
While his biggest problem is that he’s money-strapped, Hebert said he can’t take any offers of cash.
“I can’t pay it back and I just don’t have the heart to take it,” he said.
Hebert has received the $1,000 immediate flood relief and that money went towards paying bills. He should be able to move back into his apartment by September.
And even though he’s had a rough time since the flood, Hebert said there are still many others in the community with similar stories.
On Twitter: @JodiL_reporter
