URGENT UPDATE: Continued Support Needed for Families Displaced by Fire

Thanks to this incredible community, each family has now received a $750 cheque, and as of today, we’re issuing an additional $1,000 cheque from GoFundMe funds.

But we’ve just received difficult news:

It will be at least 3 months before families can return to their apartments.

That means months without stable housing, extra costs for food, clothing, school supplies, transportation, and more. These are families with children, seniors, and workers who now face daily uncertainty.

We’ve come this far together—

Let’s keep going.On a quiet afternoon in Parry Sound, a sudden fire broke out in a 6 plex apartment building on Railway Avenue, leaving 3 families, including an autistic child, without a home. Everything they owned was damaged or destroyed by smoke and water. We, the Rotary Club of West Parry Sound are asking for your help to raise $15,000 to provide emergency support, essentials, and to help them recover. Every dollar makes a difference.

In the face of this tragedy, the courage of a young girl and the swift, compassionate response from neighbors and first responders shine as a heartfelt reminder of our community's strength and resilience.

The fire began in a bedroom and was first noted by a quick thinking 12-year-old girl. With calmness and courage, she closed the door to slow the flames, then rushed to save her autistic brother and the family's two cats to safety. Thanks to her bravery and selfless actions all escaped unharmed - an inspiring reminder of the strength found in even the youngest in our community.

The apartment where the fire started experienced the worst fire damage. The two apartments below, one a home to a young couple and 2 dogs and the other to 3 individuals, sustained significant smoke and water damage. At this time, none of the residents of the damaged apartments will be able to return home - a difficult moment calling for community care and support.

The affected residents contacted the Rotary Club of West Parry Sound, knowing Rotary's dedication to standing together in a time of need. The Club responded without hesitation. We worked with the Salvation Army, who arranged emergency lodging and with Sobeys and The Farmers Market of Parry Sound which provided meals for the displaced. Together, these acts of service reflect the heart of our West Parry Sound

community - neighbors helping neighbors, guided by compassion, care and kindness.

Railway Avenue is part of one of Parry Sounds older, close knit neighborhoods. Life is modest there and resources are often limited.

For those affected, this is far more than a temporary setback; it is a life-changing crisis.

The Rotary Club of West Parry Sound has created this GoFundMe account to help the affected residents to regain their lives. We depend on our community to donate to help them build new lives by gifts of cash, furnishings and clothing. Your donations will make alll the difference to these people's lives. Please give if you can and help us show these families they are not alone in this crisis.