OUTPOURING STILL BLOWING US AWAY - THANK YOU, THANK YOU

We have added many new names to our fundraising “supporter list, and it just goes to show, we are a scrappy, determined, ambitious and caring community. No matter how much criticism and chagrin cloud over this community, don’t ever underestimate the will of home town values.

Sometimes amidst the political and economic debates, and stubborn posturing, the rush of day to day living, and neighbor on neighbor squabbling, we forget just how aggressive we can get as a collective, when push comes to shove.....and we all of a sudden have to react to an emergency. Every time it happens in this community, we learn a little bit more about our stalwart resolve to defend home turf......and all the folks who dwell here.

We just want folks here to know about the many volunteers, and acts of kindness received over the past 48 hours particularly. We have been so generously supported by Metroland Media’s, “The Weekender,” publishing news of our fundraising concert (Friday’s issue), on Sunday, as well as offering a display advertisement; Pappa Larry’s, for offering us food for the volunteers, on Sunday, Tim Hortons, for their generous offer of coffee and treats, The Moose FM for their large scale promotion for us, which they started on Tuesday, Artstract, for printing the posters at their expense, and the Town of Gravenhurst for assisting us with concert location, and the Opera House for informing callers about the Sunday program.

Individuals who have joined us most recently, include our old friends, Peters Players, Shawn Letcher, Van Newell, Tim Norrie, Steve Ambroise, Aidan Chamberlain, Doug Chamberlain, Ryan & Dave, Isacc Boyes, John Henry, David Pepper, Ginger Graham, Gill and Jon O’Connor, Mark Wigston, Ray Parsons, Doug and Lori Wallace, and dozens more.......who we will let you know about in a coming blog.

This has been a great experience for our family, working with all the businesses, organizations, and individuals this week, who have such a positive outlook on the future......and what kindness they can bestow for the victims of the tragic fire. It restores faith in the values of home town, and should make us all aware how things get done when the chips are down. We’re a tough bunch in Gravenhurst. We’re proud to say that. We’ll give a complete overview of just “how tough,” when we report back to you on the funds we were able to raise during the concert. And by the way, we have already been receiving donations at the boys music shop, opposite the Opera House. From youngsters to those who are on fixed incomes, we have seen a wide spectrum of deeply affected citizens, who feel it is their responsibility to help neighbors in need.

When a crusty old fart like me gets a tear in his eye.....seeing someone who has little to spare, offering a donation, I know this is the town for all seasons. Bless you all!