JARVIS—A true hallmark of a community is how people come together to help others in need. A young family in Jarvis has been witness to this after a devastating fire destroyed their home. From searching for pets to donating food, clothing, gift cards, and more, the community’s outpouring of support for Lindsay Bowley and her three children will forever impact their lives.
It was late in the evening on Sunday, July 16 that the smoke alarm sounded and Bowley smelled smoke. Once she realized there was a fire in the garage, the intense heat and smoke forced her back. She immediately alerted her children and friends who were visiting, ensuring everyone was safely out of the house.
Bowley also managed to get most of the family pets outside, including four dogs (three of which are rescues), two cats, and a parrot. Unfortunately, she could not retrieve a snake and two geckos. Once outside, she felt pain in her hand and discovered she had serious burns from the garage door.
Looking back on that experience Bowley says, “I don’t know how I did what I did that night.”
She describes an overwhelming feeling in the days following the fire as the community has rallied around the family. She says, “I’ve cried more over the kindness than the reality of what happened.” Her gratitude begins with the Jarvis Fire Department whose volunteers were “all very kind people.”
The family has been surrounded with many acts of kindness: Karen Roache, the children’s grandmother in Hamilton, is taking care of Brycen, 9, Haley, 7, and Serenity, 5, while Bowley stays with neighbours, Mandi and Ron, in Jarvis. Roache’s daughter, Taylor Edmonds, initiated a GoFundMe campaign.
A search for some of the pets – a husky, cat, and parrot – was initiated after the fire when Bowley’s friend Robyn Slater alerted Jarvis residents on Facebook. All were eventually located and temporarily re-homed. Slater is happy to support her friend and appreciates the response from the community. She says, “People have reached out; the kindness is amazing.”
Meals have been covered by local restaurants, including Little Johnny’s and Luxe and Company. Helen’s Treasure’s in Hagersville has provided clothing, housewares, and furniture. Bowley was surprised when Jarvis Public School Principal Todd Bannister and teacher Kerrie O’Donnell delivered three new backpacks filled with a blanket, toy, and other items for each of the children.

Even Bowley’s former employers, Don and Darlene Lancaster, who previously owned D & D’s Family Restaurant, are organizing a fish fry benefit with help from former employees, local businesses, and the Jarvis Lions. Lancaster says, “Fish fries have always been our way of fundraising and the community has always supported us…. When I heard the news about … Lindsay and her kids, I was devastated and knew there was something we could do to help.”
The Fish Fry will take place on Monday, July 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Jarvis Community Centre (18 James St., Jarvis). The $20 meal includes fish and chips or chicken fingers and fries, dinner roll, pie, and choice of coffee, tea, or pop.
Lancaster has a goal of raising $7,000 but believes $10,000 is possible. He says, “Thanks to local businesses the food cost will be covered – 100% of proceeds will go to Lindsay and her three children…. This would not be possible without the help of my former employees, friends, and community! Thank you for coming together to show how much heart this little town can have.”
While the stress of the fire is evident as Bowley shares her story, there are moments that have made her smile and even a laugh a little. She expressed relief when the parrot was found perched in a nearby tree. The pet bird belonged to her late father and has his voice.
The loss of so many memories is “a bitter pill to swallow” but Bowley is grateful her dad’s ashes were saved. A pet cat was expecting and her condition was uncertain when she was found. A day or two later, the fire investigators reported hearing the meows inside the home. Remarkably, kittens were discovered and eventually reunited with their mother.
Bowley recounts sorting through clothing donations and finding a pair of pajamas with four leaf clovers on them. The irony of the moment led to both tears and laughter as Bowley once again felt appreciation for her Jarvis community. Originally from Hamilton, she relocated to the small town four years ago and is hopeful they can stay in the area.
“This is the most incredible thing I’ve experienced from a community,” Bowley shares, “I had been losing faith in people but this has changed that. Moving here four years ago was the best decision…. All this is making me see the beauty in the ugly.”
While the physical house was destroyed, the bigger home of Jarvis is strong; its care and support will carry this family through the days ahead. She has already expressed her gratitude online and continues to be thankful every day. Bowley knows that things could have been so much different and says, “From the bottom of my heart, I’ve never seen a community like this.”
To support Bowley and her children, mark your calendar for the Fish Fry on July 31 or visit the online fundraiser at gofund.me/f928b301.