A fundraiser has been started after a trailer fire left a man's home in ruins last week.

Okotokian Andrew Colins and his dog Gypsy were out for only a short period of time to run a quick errand but returned to find their home engulfed in flames.

One of Andrew's friends, Joey Lafont, is working closely with friends and family and has set up a GoFundMe to raise $20,000 to purchase a new motorhome or trailer for Andrew.

There's also quite a bit of cleanup to be done as well as repairs to the damaged utilities.

Lafont says they are already seeing a response with people having donated clothing and volunteering to help with the cleanup for the coming weekend.

Lafont says Andrew's the kind of guy that will go out of his way to help anybody, and that Andrew's actually helped him out a lot personally.

"It doesn't matter what the situation there is, who it's for, he's always there to help, no matter what."

Andrew's brother Richard Colins says they are blessed, not only as Canadians but as Albertans, to have such open and tight-knit communities in the area.

"When something happens everybody comes together as one," says Richard.

"Regardless if people are going to donate, or even just in their prayers, it's good enough for us. We live in Alberta. Nothing can keep us down."

Those who are able to donate can find the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-andrew-colins-rebuild-his-life-and-home.

For any other support or donations, Lafont encourages people to reach out to him personally at 403-888-0952.

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