Some businesses in the southeast have come together to help raise money for the families who lost their homes in Tuesday’s blaze in New Brighton.
Fire broke out at a home on Brightoncrest Heights S.E. at about 1:00 p.m. Tuesday and totally destroyed one home and heavily damaged two others.
The two-alarm blaze is still under investigation and a cause has not yet been determined.
Crews were back at the scene on Wednesday, combing through the ruins and clearing the rubble.
There is no word on a damage estimate but there is very little left of the structures and most of the contents are not salvageable.
Local businesses have stepped up to help out.
The A & W Restaurant on 130th Avenue is holding a fundraiser on Thursday night, from 5 to 8 p.m. and is also accepting cash donations.
“At this point we’re accepting donations in the form of cash, it’s the best way to help these families right now. All donations are going through the New Brighton Community Association so those folks are going to help us out with distributing to the families as well we have a bouncy castle for the kids and the great A & W Rootbear is going to be here,” said Stephen Redfern from A & W.
Redfern says they are also doing a raffle, which was supported by a number of other businesses in the area.
“The response has just been phenomenal. We’ve got a full clip board full of donations,” said Redfern. “I expect we’re going to have some really amazing things to raffle off, auction off and some other really great donations for the family as well,” said Redfern.
Redfern says they have already collected over $3000 and his restaurant will also hand over a portion of its sales from one of its most popular burgers on Thursday night.
“From 5 pm to 11 pm every time you buy a Teen Burger, I’m going to donate a dollar to the families as well.”
Good Life Fitness on 130th Avenue is also taking gift card and cash donations.
(With files from Brad MacLeod)
