Donations being collected for family impacted by Renfrew Street fire

The family impacted by the fire at 476 Renfrew Street made it out safely – but not without losing their home and all of their possessions in the March 2 blaze.

A GoFundMe page launched on behalf of Samantha Francis, her boyfriend, and her three school-age children notes that the family rented and had no insurance, leaving them with nothing. “Any donation, no matter how small will help them with immediate needs like clothing, food, temporary housing, and basic essentials,” Stephanie Francis, Samantha’s sister, wrote on the page. “If you’re unable to give, please help by sharing.”

Stephanie also noted that the family likely lost their cat, Pookie, in the fire.

In addition to monetary donations, the North Woodside Community Centre is collecting donations of clothing and shoes. Donations can be dropped off from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on most evenings between 6 and 9 p.m. The centre posted on Facebook that the family needs the following sizes:

Shoe Sizes

• Women – 6
• Boys – 3
• Boys – 7
• Girls - 1

Clothing Sizes

• Men’s Medium
• Women’s Medium
• Girls Size 7
• Boys Size 9
• Boys Size 14/Large Youth

The fire was under investigation by Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency this morning; currently, a cause has not been reported. This afternoon the Post spoke briefly with the building’s owner, who said the the firewalls held. The neighbouring units appeared to be habitable, with one of them visibly occupied.