Korey Freeman says he is “absolutely blown away” by the community support his family has received in the past few days.
The Freeman family lost all their belongings in a fire at their home in Seguin Township on Feb. 1.
The Seguin Fire Department was dispatched to the property on James Bay Junction Road at 4:18 p.m., with crews arriving on scene at 4:32 p.m., according to Seguin’s Fire Chief Sean Carroll.
The fire was cleared about 90 minutes after the fire department’s arrival, with crews remaining on scene until 9:30 p.m. to conduct overhaul operations.
The house couldn’t be saved, and the estimated loss is around $720,000, according to Carroll.
Due to the extent of the damage, Carroll notes the cause was undetermined and no injuries were reported.
Following the fire, the Parry Sound community has been “beyond generous,” said Freeman.
“We have received so many thoughtful messages, bag after bag of clothing, toys for our kids, delicious meals, and an incredible amount of financial support. We have been so well cared for and loved. This truly is a special community we live in,” Freeman wrote in an email to the North Star.
“We are so grateful for our family, this community, our church family, friends and strangers from near and far who have rallied together to help us land on our feet through this challenging time.”
Parry Sound’s Hope Church, at 3 McMurray St., has organized an online fundraiser to help the family with essential items, such as clothing, food, and temporary housing.
The church has also set up a meal schedule to support the family. People can sign up on the church’s website to donate meals.
Other donations can be dropped off at the church between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“To everyone who has helped us in some way, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” wrote Freeman in the email to the North Star.