Victims of fire get a hand
Donald Cox knows he has a lot to be thankful for. The fire that swept the upper floors of the apartment building where he lived could have taken a far greater toll.
“We probably lost 40 per cent of our stuff,” said Cox. “Scared us, because our mother-in-law lives next door in apartment one. And we’re very, very thankful for VON to be there to escort her out and make sure she was safe.”
The blaze broke out on the upper floor of the 12-unit complex on Brooklyn Drive in Bible Hill, April 27. The cause remains under investigation.
Cox praised firefighters who fought the blaze and saved his cats. He also appreciates volunteers who are helping clean out the smoke- and water-damaged items.
Last week a crew of three from Tazmanian Movers joined them. The company has offered their services, free of charge, to both move furniture and help with the cleanup.
Owner Dominique Dodge said the offer is open all month for any resident of the building who needs something moved. That includes removing items from the building or picking up replacement furniture, appliances or other furnishings the tenants acquire as they rebuild.
“We feel that we have to come together as a community and help these people out,” he said. “A couple of people had insurance but the rest of them didn’t, so we’re offering our services for free to anybody in the building that needs stuff picked up or moved to their new location.
Despite the hardship, displaced tenants are enduring.
“We’re going to make it through,” Cox said. “A lot of people were displaced but we’re going to make it.”
Cox’s brother Darren, who was also lending a hand, said the free help was especially appreciated given nine of the 12 tenants did not have fire insurance.
“So, there’s a lot of rebuilding that needs to happen. And if it hadn’t been for Tazmanian Movers coming into the picture, a lot of these people would have expenses to move anything that they were able to find,” he said.
Dodge also encouraging other businesses to pitch in.
“Hopefully the rest of the community will step in and do something as well.”
Tazmanian Movers can be reached by calling or texting 902-986-2325 or by leaving a message on the company’s Facebook page.
Donald Cox said a Gofundme account (Brooklyn Drive Fire Survivors) has also been set up to assist tenants, with a goal of $50,000. Cox said all donations of household items or cash, regardless of how small, are welcomed.
As well, a benefit dance will be held May 26 at the Bible Hill fire hall.