Photo courtesy of the Sioux Lookout OPP.
Chief Administrative Officer for the Kenora District Services Board, Henry Wall, says he and staff have been ‘overwhelmed’ with the Sioux Lookout community’s support for the 28 seniors who lost their homes over the weekend.
A fire broke out at the Patricia Plaza on Saturday morning, which caused the evacuation and displacement of 28 seniors in the community. Thankfully, the KDSB has since been able to re-home them.
“We are immensely grateful that all residents of Patricia Plaza are safe and have had their immediate short-term needs met,” says Wall. “The community and area have really rallied together to support those who have been affected.”
Wall explains of the 37 units within the Plaza – 11 of them are destroyed.
He says it’s too early to say when the wing of the Plaza will be rebuilt, but the KDSB’s priority is to bring residents back into the remaining units as soon as possible.
Now, the KDSB has teamed up with a variety of local partners to help provide support for those in need, with multiple locations accepting monetary or clothing donations.
“The KDSB and community partners are continuing their work to assist residents of Patricia Plaza. Additionally, I want to thank the families and friends of displaced tenants as their support has been invaluable,” adds Wall.
The Salvation Army at 13 Robert Street will be accepting clothing donations and facilitating shopping days for affected residents. Donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Monetary donations vie cheque can be dropped off at Calvary Baptist Church (34 Prince Street, 737-3293), Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (36 Fourth Avenue, 737-3839) and New Life Assembly (28 First Avenue, 737-2843), or by E-transfer.
Donations towards food hampers and personal items can also be made to the Sioux Lookout Out of the Cold program or by E-transfer to siouxfoodbank@gmail.com. You can also provide your name and address for a charitable receipt.
Other support the community has seen includes the Sioux Lookout Non-Profit Housing Organization who opened Sioux Towers for people to stay, Calvary Baptist and New Life Church for providing food, as well as Red Brick Café, Lac Seul Fire, Sioux Lookout OPP and everyone else involved.
The Sioux Lookout Fire Department says the cause of the Plaza’s blaze is still under investigation, but no foul play is suspected at this time.
