Support for Fisher family

Edit: A reminder that you can donate anonymously if you wish, and choose the service fee amount (even 0%) on the GFM platform. Thank you for sharing the fundraiser and helping build support. The financial blow of this tragedy is staggering, particularly at a time when Laurence and Kathy should be able to think of retirement rather than financial recovery. Thank you so much for your donation!

The Fisher family and the Lasqueti community has lost a legend….the Wildwood factory out in Fisher Land burnt to the ground in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 1st. It is a complete loss. There is no replacing this historic shop, all the custom built machines and tools, the print shop used in many community functions, unique pieces of wood gathered over the years and many precious personal family items. It is both a staggering physical and crushing emotional loss for the Fisher family and many community members.

Nearly 45 years ago, in the deep woods of Lasqueti, the first inklings of Wildwood were born. Out of a necessity to support their growing family and have the option to be in Vancouver some of the time, Laurence and Kathy decided to try and sell something made from the materials they had at hand. They cut up some branches, drilled holes, sanded and oiled....and produced the first wooden buttons that would jump start the business that became Wildwood, aka The Button Factory.

Kathy took their hand crafted buttons to the BC Ferries and sold them from her blanket, with wee Sarah in tow. She quickly sold out and they realized they were on to something! From there, the business grew, first with buttons, then with the addition of many other unique and beautiful wood products, including twig pens, branch boxes, magnets, bookmarks, picture frames, and hair clips. They took pride in using forest industry leftovers, that would have otherwise gone to waste, to make their products.

The business expanded in leaps and bounds as Wildwood gained more exposure to the market. Friends and neighbours began to work with Laurence and Kathy in their burgeoning cottage industry. A handful of close friends were instrumental in building and growing the physical shop and the business connections in the early years. Attending trade shows near and far helped establish Wildwood out in the world. A fortuitous connection with a Japanese businessman, who used the wood buttons on Cowichan sweaters he imported to Japan, greatly expanded the button production. And a collaboration with First Nations artist, Bill Helin, added an artistic coastal touch to many products.

Many Lasquetians worked alongside the Fisher family in the factory over the decades, fulfilling the dream Laurence has always held of creating a sustainable island industry and local employment option with his fellow community members. Wildwood was an integral part of the Lasqueti community for decades, and has helped support many families over the years.

Although Wildwood had wound down after it’s heyday, Kathy and Laurence were still producing a few products, providing their sole source of regular income. The destruction of the shop is not only a loss of a historic community business, and of a lifelong dream, but also the practical loss of financial support.

Most of Wildwood is irreplaceable, however, there are some practical details which we can all help with. There is the immediate need of rebuilding the power and water infrastructure (temporarily reconnected at the moment) as both were run through the shop, including the new inverter and batteries that had just been installed. This system is connected to multiple houses in Fisher Land. Once the basic living needs are attended to, attention can be turned towards replacing some of the more standard tools and items, and rebuilding a work space for the Fisher family, especially for Laurence, who lives for tinkering in the shop.

Let’s come together to help support this beloved island family. Laurence and Kathy have spent their lives helping others with their vast generosity, now it is their turn to receive. There is also a donation jar at Provisions on island. Please contact me if you would like to direct deposit or drop cash off island. There will be other ways to help support with time and energy as well…details will be posted on the community channels as things unfold.

With so much gratitude for the beautiful Lasqueti community and wide reaching network of friends who rally in times of need. Thank you ❤️