BURRILLVILLE – Thousands have been raised this week to help a family of five displaced after a powerful storm caused a tree to fall atop their home on Pulaski Hill Road.
Heather Cyr and Brian Lavoie, along with the couple’s three young boys and family pets, were forced to relocate from the house, a two-story, single family ranch. No one was injured in the incident, which took place around noon on Friday, Dec. 19, but the large tree became lodged inside a portion of the home, leaving a gapping hole the full height of the structure once it was removed.
“At this time, the home is not livable, and the family is waiting to hear back from their insurance company regarding next steps,” noted Kristen Bannon, a friend of the family’s.
Bannon’s GoFundMe campaign to help the couple, started on Sunday, Dec. 21, had raised $3,885 as of Monday morning. The funds so far include a generous donation of $1,000 from the Burrillville Patriots, a local football program in which two of the kids participate.
“Moments like this remind us what it truly means to be a Patriot — family, strength, and showing up when it matters most,” noted a post from the program encouraging other to donate.
“Experiencing something like this is heartbreaking at any time, but especially during the holiday season, when families should be focused on warmth, comfort, and togetherness,” Bannon noted. “Our hope is to ease even a small portion of the stress they are facing during this uncertain time.”
In photos of the destruction, a lit Christmas tree can be seen covered in piles of debris.
Bannon noted that the couple is always there for others and supporting local sports programs and other activities.
“They lead with kindness, generosity, and community spirit,” Bannon noted. Now it’s our turn to give back and support them as they work through the days ahead.
The house was built in 1996 and has four bedrooms, according to town property records.
