2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, December 20, 2023
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Another fire inspires community fundraising once again
ABOVE PHOTO SUBMITTED, RIGHT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU The Amherstburg Fire Department fights a Claremont Lane fire last Friday (above). With the remains of a fire three weeks ago still on site, firefighters extinuish last Friday’s fire at a neighbouring property (right).
By Ron Giofu Not even one month has passed since a fire in the Willow Beach area of Amherstburg destroyed one home and Amherstburg firefighters returned there again late last week for another house fire. And, again this time, neighbours and members of the community as a whole are doing their best to help the family that was impacted by the blaze. The Amherstburg Fire Department were called to the Claremont Lane home Friday, exactly three weeks after the neighbouring property at the corner of Claremont and Elmstead Lane was lost due to fire. With remains of the first fire still on that lot, fire crews battled the second blaze Friday morning and afternoon.
“We got the call approximately 11:15 a.m. for a structure fire,” said deputy chief Ron Meloche. “We upgraded to all three stations. Upon arrival, the fire was through the roof. We went on the defensive right from the get go.” Dogs were discovered in the home when firefighters could safely enter and were rescued. “No one was home at the time,” said Meloche. Meloche estimated the damage to be between $900,000 and $1 million. Due to the value of the home, the office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) was notified. “It is being investigated by the Windsor Police Service and the OFM
Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project thankful for support
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One of the co-ordinators of Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project is thankful for the support received this year from the Amherstburg community. Carrie Lee, who founded the project with husband Martin Denonville, said they are pleased with the support received from Amherstburg. Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project collects pajamas for children and adults in need with donations having been accepted Nov. 1-Dec. 1. Amherstburg locations included the Re/Max Preferred Realty office, the Libro Centre and the Gingerbread Warming House. There were also drop-off locations in LaSalle, Belle River, Leamington, Tecumseh and Windsor. Lee said things went “very well” and that she believed Amherstburg residents exceeded what they did in 2022. Last year was the first year Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project came to Essex County. “I can’t say enough good things about it,” Lee said of the community’s involvement. Among the people that assisted Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project in Amherstburg were the town’s economic development/ communications officer Jen Ibrahim, the Amherstburg Firefighters Association, Becky Banks from Re/Max Preferred
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By Ron Giofu
was notified,” said Meloche. The deputy chief added all things are considered during an investigation, and that police are usually contacted in such matters. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family called “The Stephens (Kral) Family in Amherstburg.” In the post, organizer Senga Kral noted this is an effort to raise money to assist her sister and nephew, who lost their home in the fire. “We all want to thank all of those
involved in rescuing their two dogs which are currently being treated with emergency care. My sister and nephew are safe and were not home at the time. Their two dogs Tiako and Aurora were saved by the brave firemen. They were rushed to the animal hospital and remain there fighting for their lives.” The post also stated: “With Christmas just around the corner. I hope this amazing community can rally together to help my sister, as she is a hard working compassionate single mom to my equally amazing nephew.” The son is a Grade 6 student at Malden Central Public School, where Susan Hadfield is a teacher. Hadfield, along with the rest of the staff at the school, are raising funds for the family as they did for the Bradt family three weeks ago with Hadfield sitting outside the school Saturday afternoon seeking donations. Hadfield said it was slower than the fundraiser held three weeks ago but is still hopeful people can do what they can. “It’s a week before Christmas. We’re asking a lot right before Christmas. We’ll see what happens,” she said. Hadfield said it’s “crazy” that such a fundraiser is happening again this quickly after another tragedy. “It’s surreal,” she said. “It’s three weeks to the day.” The school is asking for cash and gift cards so the mother can go out and buy what they need for their family. “If someone wants to come by with a donation, they can drop it off at the school (this) week,” she said.
Three of Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project co-founder Carrie Lee’s grandchildren - Bennett, Lola and Poppy - show some of the pajamas collected locally.
Realty and Seasons Amherstburg fun manager Jenn Lauzon. Lee said every pair of pajamas counts and they collected male and female pajamas for children and adults. Locally, they were part of the Amherstburg Fire Association’s “Stuff a Fire Truck” toy drive. There was also a collection event at the Nov. 18 Jr. C hockey game at the Libro Centre between the Amherstburg Admirals and the Lakeshore Canadiens. “We’re still grateful and excited,” said Lee. “We love the community we have.” While the donation campaign has wrapped up for the most part, there will still be a few upcoming collection events in the region. For more information on Lola’s Pajama Fairy Project, visit www. facebook.com/lolaspjproject.
Submit your write-ups and photos on what happened in 2023 and your goals in 2024 to
For information or to submit, e-mail Ron at
mail@rivertowntimes.com Please keep written submissions in the 350-500 word range. Community group submissions will be published in mid-January. Submission deadline is January 5th @ 4PM
