‘Overwhelming’: Slew of donations comes in after fatal Bridgewater fire

The amount of donations that has come in for the families who lost everything in a fatal fire in Bridgewater has been overwhelming, according to The Salvation Army.

Over the last three days, the organization has held a donation drive. Major Gerri Durdle says the community has been so generous.

“Our church is filled with clothing, bedding, kitchen items, personal care times,” says Durdle. “It’s just been amazing.”

She says they’ve received so many donations including more than $3,000 in cash and gift cards by 2 p.m., Monday. They were collecting donations until 4:30 p.m.

It was June 10 when two buildings on King Street in downtown Bridgewater were completely destroyed, claiming the life of one person.

About a dozen families were displaced from the fire and according to Durdle, some have already been in looking for things they need.

“We had one lady in this morning,” says Durdle. “She was just overwhelmed.”

“She relocated to Canada in February and lost everything in the fire. When I gave her the gift card, she couldn’t believe it was all for her.”

Durdle says that those contributing are young and old and it’s heartwarming to see the generosity.

“We had one little girl that came by and gave us $20, which was her allowance,” shares Durdle. “She donated it to us for the fire victims.”

She says Maritimes are generous and caring and have that “sense of community”, realizing it could happen to anyone and thanks all who have donated.

“To there be for one another through a tragedy makes it heartwarming. That out of a tragedy, there’s still a blessing.”