‘Rebuilding hope’ for wildfire victims
GoFundMe helping uninsured homeowners sets $100,000 goal
A GoFundMe to help people in the Port Clyde and surrounding areas from Thomasville to Beaverdam who lost their uninsured homes in the Barrington Lake Wildfire was almost three-quarters of the way towards a $100,000 goal three weeks into the campaign.
Started on July 3, 'Rebuilding Hope: Restoring Port Clyde and surrounding areas from Thomasville to Beaverdam after the Devastating Wildfire,' had topped $70,0000 by July 26.
Organized by volunteers
Dr. Paul Hanson and Jody VanNorden, both residents of the Clyde River area, the funds raised will be managed and disbursed by the Clyde Area Community Centre Association.
“We started with a goal of $5,000 but the money came in so quickly we bumped it up to $100,000,” says Hanson. “There's been a terrific response.”
UNINSURED RESIDECES
There were seven uninsured primary residences in the Barrington Lake wildfire: six in the Municipality of Barrington and one in the Municipality of Shelburne, says VanNorden. “First and foremost we're looking to see what we can do for them.”
In addition to the GoFundMe, the Clyde Area Community Centre Association is also fundraising for the cause. A recent breakfast at the community centre raised $3,175. There are also plans for online auctions.
“We'll keep rolling with it until we get to $100K,” says VanNorden.
A second GoFundMe started on June 2, 'Loss of Home - Shelburne County Wildfire,' in support of seniors Donna and Paul Locke, whose home was lost and uninsured, had raised $13,563 of a $20,000 goal by July 26.
The Barrington Lake Wildfire broke out in late May. Even after it was brought under control, hotspots continued to burn.
On July 26, the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables reported that the Barrington Lake fire, and also one in Tantallon, were now both officially out.