The Barrie community is rallying behind a family who lost their home in a weekend explosion, raising thousands of dollars through an online fundraiser.
The blast occurred late in the morning on Aug. 9 at 65 Marshall St. in Barrie’s Allandale community. Barrie Fire and Emergency Service crews rushed to the scene and worked to extinguish the flames.
One man, who was reportedly at the residence at the time of the explosion, was critically injured. He was first treated locally, then rushed to Toronto for trauma care. Police later confirmed the man, who was 45-years-old, died of his injuries after being transported to Toronto.
The home belonged to Colleen McEachern, who lived there with her two daughters, ages 11 and 13. None of them were home when the explosion happened.
A GoFundMe campaign was quickly launched with a goal of raising $35,000 to cover urgent needs such as temporary housing, clothing, food, school supplies, pet care, and long-term rebuilding costs. By publication time of this article, the campaign had raised more than $25,000
A GoFundMe campaign was quickly launched with a goal of raising $35,000 to cover urgent needs such as temporary housing, clothing, food, school supplies, pet care, and long-term rebuilding costs. By publication time of this article, the campaign had raised more than $22,000.
“Our community has rallied before in times of crisis, and we know we can do it again,” organizer Amanda Hobbs wrote on the fundraiser page.
“Every donation — big or small — will help provide the family with a safe place to stay, meet their daily needs, and ease some of the heavy burden they are carrying. On behalf of Colleen McEachern and family, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. Together, we can help them find their footing again.”
The Barrie Concerned Citizens Facebook group said residents can also donate gift cards for food, groceries and gas in person at 52 Peacock Lane.
Investigators are still examining the scene and the cause of the explosion has not been released. Homes adjacent to the destroyed residence also sustained damage from the blast.
The GoFundMe page can be found at https://gofund.me/ce58b1e5.
*This story and headline have been updated after police confirmed that one person died in the explosion.
