Grand Falls rallies behind families hit by fire
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 | 4:20 PM AT
CBC News
The landscape of Broadway Boulevard in Grand Falls is dramatically different after a fire destroyed four buildings. (CBC) The families who lost everything in last week's fire in Grand Falls, N.B., are getting the help they deserve thanks to Good Samaritans.
The community, with a population of about 5,600, has raised an estimated $50,000 to help seven families who were left homeless after a Dec. 17 blaze tore through much of the town's main street.
Broadway Boulevard looked like a battlefield last Friday after the fire destroyed four buildings, cost some people their jobs, others their businesses and the people — those who lived above the businesses — their homes.
The flood of donations began with a $40 donation from local radio DJ Kirk Davidson.
"And sure enough, 30 seconds later, I got a phone call at the station with someone matching my pledge and then from there it snowballed," Davidson told CBC News. "It was unbelievable."
Donations have come in from as far away as Florida, Davidson said.
People have also collected clothing and household appliances, including washers and dryers, for the families.
"People love their community and they're here for people in time of need, especially at this time of year," Davidson said. "It's the true meaning of Christmas. I really think it is."
More than 120 firefighters, including crews from three fire departments in Maine, fought the blaze amid strong winds and freezing temperatures through the night.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
