Lookin’ for Forever Homes

On February 16th a two story century home on Beckstead Road was consumed by fire.

According to South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services (SDFES) Fire Chief Chris McDonough, no one was injured in the fire, but there was approximately $180,000 worth of damage to the property.

“South Dundas fire crews responded from Williamsburg and Morrisburg,” said McDonough.

“It was confirmed that the owners recently purchased the home and were completing renovations,” he continued. They “were planning to move in the following weekend.”

McDonough reported that “this incident has been ruled non-suspicious. However,” he added, “the cause is undetermined due to the extent of the damage.”

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All three stations of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to a fire at 3439 County Road 31 in the Township of South Dundas at approximately 7 p.m. on July 19.

According to chief Chris McDonough, “North Dundas also responded to the call with a full response from Winchester.”

There were no injuries to report and “dogs and cats were removed from the ground floor,” said McDonough.

The fire, which is thought to have started in one of the second floor bedrooms, was “under control” by 9 p.m. and extinguished by 9:30 p.m.

The cause, said McDonough, is under investigation and the estimated damage is approximately $180,000. Damage to the second floor, he said, was extensive.

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On July 23, Laurie Turriff, owner of the Iroquois-based Something Old Something New, donated $800 to Candlelighters. Turriff first heard of the non-profit organization when a relative’s son was diagnosed with cancer. She pointed out that while there are many charity organizations focusing on different types of cancer for adults, there are “few that help out the children and their families.”

Candlelighters is exclusively set up for children age 18 and under, as well as their families, who are coping with the unique challenges associated with a positive diagnosis of cancer. Members of the program receive emotional as well as financial support.

Tammy Johnston and her son Nash Nesbitt-Johnston are members of Candlelighters. Diagnosed with and treated for cancer last year, Nash is now in remission.

During treatment, Johnston said that without the support of Candlelighters, she would have lost her home. The Ottawa-based organization also provided Nash with a laptop to stay on top of his studies and connected to his friends. Through his membership with Candlelighters, Nash met Ottawa Senators player Chris Phillips and his wife Erin Phillips, chair of the Candlelighers board of directors. Nash was also invited to use the Candlelighters’ suite at Scotiabank Place to watch many of the Ottawa Senators games this past season.

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