ROCKWOOD – Residents came together on July 17 to help those affected by a recent fire in the community.
The event, titled “Stronger Than Flames,” was a fundraiser to support the residents of two apartments, as well as two businesses, affected by the June 3 fire which took place on Main Street South.
The fire caused $200,000 in damages.
Stephanie Humber of Humble and Hair helped spearhead the event. When news of the fire reached her business, she said they immediately thought about how they could help out.
“We have to do something to help out, because it could happen to anyone,” said Humber.
She posted the idea on a Rockwood business Facebook group, and other businesses quickly jumped at the opportunity to help out.
The event, held at Waterside Park, was a collaborative effort between the community, the township, and the Rockwood Lions Club, which owns the park and sold food at the event.
“It just shows that we’re all very supportive of each other,” said Humber.
For a small fee, people played carnival-like games such as knocking down cans with a ball.
Dr. Thadshika Parthipan and Associates, an optometrist in Rockwood, ran a spoof on plinko called “blinko”.
Residents and businesses donated items to create a silent auction for various baskets chock-full of goodies, as well as four tickets to a Blue Jays game, a KitchenAid mixer and more.
Keith Allen, a resident of the apartments affected by the fire, is now living with a friend in Erin. He said the event was “very kind of everybody.”
“Word gets around in this little town,” said Allen.
Eramosa River Cafe and Lemon Grass Day Spa were the businesses affected by the fire.
The amount of money raised by Stronger Than Flames was not available before press time.
