Dean Haasbeek along with his wife Raina Graves and children (from left) Francis, Jude, Gertrude and Christina have been living in a friend's basement since their house burned last weekend. The family is looking for a temporary place to call its own. (Brian Donogh, QMI Agency)

WINNIPEG - In the midst of uncertainty and utter devastation, an overwhelmed Winnipeg family is saying thanks to its supporters and is in disbelief of looters who are raiding what's left of its home and yard.

Dean Haasbeek, wife Raina Graves and their seven children, including a foster child, have been flooded with donations after a house fire on Bannerman Avenue last Saturday.

"We thank you so much. It's hard to express in words how wonderful people are," Graves said.

Compounding the situation is the fact the couple didn't have insurance.

The pair conducted an interview at the home of a friend, where they and their kids -- aged 10 months to 13 years -- are staying.

Twelve people are occupying the small townhouse.

Haasbeek said the family is trying to find a temporary place to call its own and figure out how to afford to salvage its 126-year-old house.

Friends have opened a trust fund at the Royal Bank of Canada branch at Main Street and Semple Avenue to help.

Strangers and others have donated clothes, furniture and cash, and offered to help in other ways.

The family's escape from the house was dramatic.

Haasbeek said he broke a window, resulting in deep cuts, jumped from an upper-level window with his 10-month-old daughter in his arms, and had Graves drop two others into his arms before she jumped.

He then caught his daughter and, with the help of two police officers, his 13-year-old son, he said.

One child escaped on his own while the foster child wasn't home, Haasbeek said.

No one was seriously injured. A pet turtle, feared dead, was found alive, said Graves, a stay-at-home mom.

But the couple's spirits were dashed by looters who stole a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle and other belongings after the family was displaced, Haasbeek said.

He said the couple had insurance until it lapsed during a rough patch where he was out of work due to a back problem.

This was followed by a health scare for the couple's youngest child, he said.

Friends are asking anyone who would like to donate to call 960-5316 or e-mail deanandraina@yahoo.ca.

chris.kitching@sunmedia.ca