A.N.A.F Unit 341 Brantford, ON

Just as those who have fought for our freedoms never gave up, we at the Army Navy Air Force Club Unit 341 are determined to rebuild—but in this time of deep need, we cannot do it alone. We desperately need your help.

In the early hours of Tuesday, October 8th, our cherished club was destroyed by a devastating fire that began in an abandoned building next door. What we lost goes far beyond walls and possessions—our history, our memories, and a part of our hearts were consumed by those flames.

This space wasn’t just a building. It was a home. It was a place where stories were told, friendships were forged, and the legacy of our veterans lived on. Irreplaceable personal keepsakes and mementos, preserved with pride, hung on those walls. Memories of those who once walked among us, memories of service and sacrifice—gone in an instant. We lost memorabilia that dated back to World War I, World War II, and even the War of 1812. These were not just artifacts; they were threads that wove us together as a community, reminders of the bravery and dedication that shaped our lives today.

We know the fire wasn’t caused by hate or malice, but by pure negligence. While blaming the neglect of the building won’t bring back what we’ve lost, we understand that the vacant Mohawk Bowling Alley had become a refuge for those with nowhere else to turn. What began as a search for warmth spiraled into a tragedy that has deeply affected us all.

What remains is not just ashes and rubble—it’s a profound, shared sense of loss. This hasn’t just impacted our veterans, but every single member of our community.

For the past 65 years, 645 Colborne St E was more than a club—it was a second home. It was where we gathered to celebrate life’s greatest joys and to mourn its deepest losses. It was where fundraisers were held for neighbours in need, where wedding vows were exchanged, where milestones were celebrated. And yes, where you could always count on the best roast beef in town.

Today, that space is gone. But the spirit of our club, and our community, lives on. And we need your help to restore it.

While insurance will help us rebuild, it won’t cover everything. We are hoping to raise $80,000 to cover the costs of cleanup and the bill we will be receiving from the city for the use of Fire services. Brantford is the only municipality to bill the owner first before insurance. We are determined to come back stronger than ever, but we need you—our neighbours, our friends, our family—to stand with us now. Every dollar you donate will bring us one step closer to restoring not just a building, but a vital part of our shared history and future.

Please, consider making a donation and sharing our message far and wide. Together, we can rebuild. Together, we can ensure that the Army Navy Air Force Club remains a place where memories are made, where history is honoured, and where our community can continue to come together for years to come.

A huge thank you to the brave firefighters who fought relentlessly to control the blaze from taking the rest of the plaza with it. Nearly every Fire House in Brantford played a role in securing the scene of this devastating loss. To lead Fire Prevention Officer C. Teixeira, we are deeply grateful for your countless hours of support and dedication.

We know that simply saying “thank you” could never truly express the depth of our appreciation. But for now, it’s all we have to offer.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.