Islanders rally for fire victim

Another Grand Manan tragedy has turned into an opportunity for people to show their community Christmas spirit. On Tuesday, December 16, the Grand Harbour house belonging to Heather Green was destroyed in a fire around mid‑morning. Green, who bought the whimsically‑painted blue and pink house in 1986, was at work at the island's transfer station when she got the call. Fire Chief Phillip Brown says the fire was reported by a passerby, and the house was fully involved when firefighters arrived. With a number of renovations added to the original structure, Brown says there were "dead spaces" between roofs that prevented them from getting to the fire. Everything was lost, including all three of Green's dogs.
Within hours, local social media became a tool for rallying support. Cathy O'Neill's Grand Harbour insurance office became the central drop‑off spot for contributions of clothing, money and food. Green's friend Steven Bass spearheaded a fundraising campaign that was taken up by the Grand Manan Rotary Club. Bass, who went to school with Green, helped her in the past with some home repair problems, and a little campaigning netted contributions of money and labor from island businesses and individuals. This time, he says he received a text message about the fire while out lobstering. "No way I could see somebody who suffered that kind of loss" without trying to help. Citing this year's "astronomical" lobster season, he says, "This community is blessed with abundance."
He made a few inquiries through the bank and fishing‑related enterprises, looking for the right fit, then connected with the Rotary Club. Treasurer Robert Griffin says it was decided at an executive meeting to establish a trust fund, and the Rotary kicked this off with a $1,000 donation. Bass and O'Neill's posts on a community Facebook page spread the word. Several businesses have posted contribution challenges, and individuals are also auctioning goods and services, with a goal of raising enough to build a new home. A property owner who lives in England offered his vacant summer house as temporary accommodation.
Bass downplays his role, explaining that he feels it was laid on his heart by God. "A lot of people are willing to do good; they just need someone to get the ball rolling. I think people were eager to do something" following the summer's tragic accidents. "I'm amazed with the response. There's something very unique and special about Grand Manan; people really pull together to give support." He would like to see the trust fund idea morph into some kind of future emergency fund for those in need.
In the meantime, Griffin says Rotary members will monitor donations to decide on a closing date. All donations of $100 or more will receive a tax receipt, for 2014 if made by December 31.
Green says, "I will be back." She's thinking about putting a mini home on her land now. She adds, "The community support is very encouraging and overwhelming, and the love and support do certainly help a lot."
Chief Brown said the cause of the fire had not yet been identified, and a response from the RCMP regarding the investigation was not received by press time.
Contributions to the trust fund may be sent to: Grand Manan Rotary Memorial Trust Fund, 130 Route 776, Unit 5, Grand Manan, NB, E5G 4K9. Checks must be payable to "Grand Manan Rotary Memorial Trust" with the memo line specifying "Heather Green House Fund."