Help victims of the Allandale fire

Just before 10:00 pm, on Monday, April 23rd, 2018, a devastating fire roared through the apartment complex at 100 Little Avenue, in Barrie. Seventy residents, in the 25-unit apartment complex, were quickly evacuated from their homes. While no injuries were reported, thankfully, many residents have lost everything. This displacement and loss has been devastating.

Barrie residents have expressed their desire to help. In these situations financial help is most suitable. Children, parents, seniors and pets are now faced with starting over and are in need of a helping hand.

Tara and I (from Fresh Mornings with Matt and Tara) know just how important the community is and that's why we created this campaign.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly to the people affected. Mayor Lehman, and Allandale City Councillor Arif Khan have both endorsed this campaign on their Facebook feeds.

On behalf of the residents affected by this fire, I thank you for your help.

UPDATE from Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman

1. The best way to help now is gift cards or donations to the GoFundMe campaigns. If you want to help the residents this will have the biggest impact.

2. Barrie Housing will absolutely be assisting the residents of 62 Little with these donations as well.

3. In the end, anything that cant be distributed to fire victims will be donated to other Barrie charities.

THANK YOU BARRIE YOU ARE ONE GENEROUS TOWN!!!!

UPDATE from Ward 8 Councillor, Arif Khan 

Friends; The City of Barrie community spirit continues to amaze with indescribable generosity. I know residents can feel the love.

Please note; due to storage, logistics, individual needs etc, the GoFundMe campaigns may be the most effective offerings at this time.

I am aware that each of us are able to give in our own way, and so many people have taken the initiative to help. Please consider the following as you do what you do;

- the reality is that basic needs continue to be the most needed now. There’s a press release circulating with those items listed. I’ll try and post it.

- financial contributions offer the ability to distribute funds to tenants, whereby they are able to acquire products that meet their individual needs. This also helps avoid challenges like; storage, distribution, and also the potential to have too much of one item and not enough of another.

- some groups have taken the initiative to collect large items like furniture etc. While this may likely be of great value, please note that staff representatives are currently working to find longer term accommodations for tenants, and therefore these items may not have a place to go just yet. (You might be holding those items for a bit)

- for those of you who have previously loved and / or larger items; please note that there are a number of organizations who serve the community on a daily basis, and would likely be better equipped to receive your donations with thanks. These organizations include, but are not limited to; Glowing Hearts Community Give & Get Centre - Barrie, Mission Thrift Store - Barrie, Salvation Army Barrie Thrift Store etc. Please call ahead before dropping items, to ensure that they can receive your items.

Again, on behalf of all involved, I know that your efforts and generosity is very much appreciated.

With thanks!

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another."
-Charles Dickens