Community rallies to help Bobcaygeon fire victims
An outpouring of community generosity is helping the tenants of the May 2 Bobcaygeon apartment fire rebuild their lives.
Thirty people lost their homes following a massive fire that destroyed a 16-unit apartment building on Main Street. Everyone inside was able to escape the blaze that started in a second floor unit. Deemed accidental by Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Services, the fire is estimated to have caused $1.5 million in damages.
“Our sincere sympathies go out to all those affected by last week’s fire in Bobcaygeon — the municipality is doing what it can to assist those who are displaced,” stated Kawartha Lakes Mayor Doug Elmslie.
“Once again, Bobcaygeon residents have been amazing in rising to the occasion through donations and other items and it shows how people can come together during a tragedy such as this.”
In a statement shared with Kawartha Lakes This Week Tuesday, Heather Cousineau, vice-chair of the Bobcaygeon Fire Relief Committee, expressed deep appreciation for the 54 firefighters who battled the blaze for more than 12 hours.
Appreciation was also extended to the “Bobcaygeon folks” who stepped up to help all people impacted, “from offering their homes for accommodation, to the many drop-offs to various organizations opening their doors to receive donations of food, a lot of clothing and funds.”
“Through the weekend, many local people rose to the occasion to help! These Bobcaygeonites formed a committee to oversee what the village could do to help the 30 displaced people,” reads the statement.
More than $20,000 has been raised so far by various organizations and individual donations via the Bobcaygeon Community Fund.
“(However), housing is the No. 1 challenge in our area and the loss of 16 apartments is going to make it even more difficult,” noted Cousineau.
The city’s Human Services Department has stepped in to assist individuals connecting them to resources wherever possible. Those directly impacted by the fire and in need of support are asked to call 705-324-9870.
Donations can be made to the Bobcaygeon Community Fund via kawarthafoundation.ca/community-fund-bobcaygeon. Tax receipts are available for all donations of $25 or more. Cheques and cash can also be dropped off at Aspira Kawartha Lakes Retirement Living at 60 West St. Tax receipts will also be issued.
The Bobcaygeon Food Bank, located at 55 Main St., is accepting donations and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Strang ’s Independent Grocer is also hosting a fundraising barbecue on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. in support of the Bobcaygeon Community Fund. (Veggie burgers and gluten free buns available).