BROCKTON – On Saturday, July 16, the Ontario Flying Farmers (OFF) held their monthly meeting at Burt and Maria Hodgins’ hangar at Saugeen Municipal Airport.
The members hosted the deputy chief of the Hanover Fire Department, Craig McArthur, local Salvation Army Major Wendy Crabb, and United Way Bruce Grey board chair David Myette, who is also a Saugeen Shores councillor. All of these individuals and their organizations were involved in the horrendous fire in downtown Hanover.
The building that burned was a former hotel which had been made into housing units. At street level were a pawn shop, a consignment store and a sports business. Within six days, 10th Avenue was open to the public and traffic – an outstanding community effort.
McArthur told the audience that on Thursday, just before the May 24 long weekend, the fire department received the call at 2:30 a.m. From a sound sleep to the fire hall and dressed in their gear, firefighters arrived on site in seven short minutes after the alarm was received.
Modern aviation technology – drones – assisted the first responders in locating hot spots and trouble areas within the burning building.
The best news was there was no loss of human life, considering it is a transient population. McArthur said there was help from community organizations almost immediately to assist the fire victims with whatever each one required.
Crabb was the next presenter, stating that a crisis centre was set up at Grace United Church where Victim Services, EMS, United Way, Mental Health Services, Salvation Army, and an animal rescue shelter were stationed to find out the needs of the displaced individuals and provide each with their requests. By the next day, everybody was given temporary housing as well as clothing and hygiene products. The crisis centre was moved to the Salvation Army headquarters to continue to supply these people with further items of need.
President Jim Farrell presented a cheque from the Flying Farmers to the Salvation Army, along with the Hanover Fire Department.
Maria Hodgins presented Crabb with several quilts that members and friends had sewn, to be exclusively donated to the Hanover fire victims.
Myette, chair of United Way Bruce Grey spoke last. He said that his organization established a disaster relief fund to support the displaced victims. The generosity of the community was overwhelming and they received more than enough. A special fund was set up so that in the future, should there a similar disaster, this money will be immediately available for them.
Farrell presented another cheque to Myette, who said it will be used for upcoming fall and winter expenses for these fire victims.
Maria Hodgins and Marilyn Bruinsma presented the three guest speakers with many backpacks filled with toys, books, blankets or quilts for young children, some accident or fire victims, and some less fortunate children who need a special backpack.
What an inspiring day for the Ontario Flying Farmers, not only to learn what impact this fire had on Hanover but also the fact that we could provide needed items to the community helpers whom all of us rely on for our own safety.
