Help Gisele Keep Her Power & Save Her Home

Hello, my name is Amanda Winchester, and I’m reaching out with a humble and urgent request to help my dear friend, Gisele Bastarache — a senior living in New Brunswick — who is in danger of losing her home and freezing in it.

Here is Gisele’s story, in her own words:

“My mother and I shared a home and all the expenses, but she passed away last year. With the constant increases in power bills, property taxes, and the cost of everything, I simply can’t keep up.

I’m a disabled senior who is unable to work, and I can’t even sell my home because of overdue property taxes.

I’ve already received a shut-off notice from NB Power, and I’m in an absolute panic. I don’t know what to do.

I’m terrified of losing power and losing my home. If that happens, I’ll be homeless — living in my old car.

My next power bill is coming within days, which will make things worse.

$5,000 would allow me to catch up on both the overdue power bill and the back property taxes from last year — enough to keep my power on and my home safe.

Asking for help makes me cringe… but I am desperate. I don’t know what else to do.”

As Canadians, many of us are facing difficult times — but some, like Gisele, are in truly dire circumstances through no fault of their own.

Gisele lovingly cared for her mother right up until her passing. Since then, she’s been trying to sell what little she has online in hopes of covering her overdue bills — but it hasn’t been enough.

Due to unpaid property taxes, she is unable to sell her home. And because of the astronomical power costs, she had to shut off her furnace several days ago and is now nearly frozen. She’s resorted to bundling in layers of winter gear indoors, wearing foot warmers (which she’s almost out of), and burning a tiny amount of firewood she has left just to take the chill off at night.

If NB Power cuts her electricity, she will lose her heat source, ability to store or cook food, and any way to safely care for herself.

This is not okay. This is not how our seniors should be living.

Especially not someone who spent years caring for a loved one, only to now be left struggling to survive in her own home. Gisele is not asking for handouts — I offered to help set this GoFundMe up for her because I couldn’t stay silent after hearing what she’s going through. She didn’t ask me to do this, and that says so much about her humility and pride.

This fundraiser was created with Gisele’s full knowledge and blessing.

So I’m asking — if you feel led to give, please consider helping Gisele keep her heat, keep her home, and keep her hope.

No amount is too small. Every bit helps.

And if you’re local to Moncton-Miramichi, New Brunswick and have firewood to spare, that would be just as life-saving right now. Please reach out if you’re able to assist in that way.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and praying. Let’s show Gisele that she’s not alone.

— Amanda Winchester

Please note: Gisele is the sole beneficiary of this fundraiser, and all funds raised go directly to her through this GoFundMe. I’m simply helping her share her story and get the support she needs; such as her arrears for NB power and property taxes!