On January 22, a fire on Mann Ave. affected 8 townhouse units.  Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire but a number of people are now homeless and  possessions have been lost.  Only one of the eight families had insurance.   Families may be able to return to three of the units today, Thursday, January 28.  Their losses were mainly food. Repairs to the other five units will take much longer and those people are being relocated.   For them, there are both immediate and longer term needs --- our community can help.  Please review the information below and do what you can.

IMMEDIATELY

A distribution session is being held this Saturday (January 30th) at the Community Room at 300 Goulbourn for the families.  The following items are urgently needed and can be dropped off there anytime Friday, January 29 between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm or Saturday morning , January 30.  ( Ring #12 when you arrive. )    Lousie Dupuis is assisting with this effort for the Strathcona Heights Tenants Association.  She can be reached at 613- 237- 7471.

Items needed now!

New or gently used clothing for all ages including items for children and young adults as noted below :

    9 Females ( Ages:  29,21,16,15,14,13,12,9,7)
    7 Male ( Ages:  23,18,16,10,7,5,1) 

Non-perishable food

French and English books for children and young adults

School supplies

Bedding

Basic kitchen supplies: dishes, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans, dish clothes and towels

Note: Toys are not needed at this time.  Any leftover items will be used to support others in the community. 

LONGER TERM - details in the next few days

Cash donations: a bank account is being set up.

Furniture, especially children's beds 

If you or an organization you know is planning a fund raising event to support these families, please contact Karen Bays at 613-565-8460 or baysdunk@rogers.com.  We will help spread the word.