‘A big need for help:’ Kemptville community rallies to assist family after fire

On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 13, at approximately 4:30 a.m., 28-year-old Kemptville resident Stacey (last name withheld) and her boyfriend were awakened to a sound that we all dread: people yelling “fire!” 

The couple quickly realized that there was a fire growing and spreading up along the side of their apartment on Barnes and Oxford Street. Before long, the fire was already making itself into their bathroom window. 

With no time to waste, the couple grabbed what they could, and focused on getting their cats and dog to safety. A second family that resided in another apartment within the house was thankfully also able to make it outside safely; however, the apartment itself and the many necessities and belongings within were a total loss. 

Stacey’s cousin, Miranda Martin, arrived on the scene only half an hour after the fire was discovered and knew she needed to do something to help. She immediately created a GoFundMe campaign for her cousin, and took to social media to call on her fellow community members for support. In her post, Martin wrote: “You may know Stacey as she works at the local business To Be Continued, and is the kindest person I know.”

She ended her post by saying, “I know the Kemptville community is so great, so we can rally together to help her and her fur babies.” 

When reached for comment, Martin told Brockvilleist, “I am so grateful for the Kemptville community and their quick response to this tragic event. I knew the minute I saw the fire that there would be a big need for help, so I posted the GoFundMe as soon as possible.”

She continued, “In only four hours the GoFundMe has gone up to $2,100, and I am so happy that we can help Stacey as she is the kindest soul I know. All I can say is thank you so far, and there is still a lot of work to be done getting her and the other families affected back on their feet.”

The GoFundMe campaign is live and has already gained over $2,000 out of their $10,000 goal. 

Kemptville resident Matthew Fullarton posted a video showing the devastating remains of the house on his Facebook page and offered his own residence to function as a drop-off location in support of the victims. This address is 133 Sanders St, Kemptville. They’ve listed items needed so far include the following: 

• Woman’s clothes – Sizes 2XL, Size 7 Shoe
• Men’s Clothes – 32 waist, large shirts, size 10 shoe
• Socks, underwear
• Pet supplies – 2 cats and 1 dog – Food, leashes, beds
• Non-perishable food items
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc.
• Blankets
• Coupons

Brockvilleist will continue to provide updates on this story as they become available.