An online fundraiser for a Corunna family that lost their home in a recent fire had brought in nearly $10,000 Friday.
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Corunna’s Tara Crone started the GoFundMe fundraiser to help her neighbors, Chuck and Jess Edgar, and their two young children, get back on their feet after a devastating $300,000 fire at their Bentinck Drive home.
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“They only left with the clothes they were wearing,” Crone said. “Seeing this happen to them, it’s awful and heartbreaking.”
St. Clair Township firefighters were called out to the home shortly after 8 am Feb. 25, said Deputy Chief Andrew McMillan.
The exterior was extensively damaged and the roof partly collapsed, he said. The loss was estimated at $300,000.
“Cause of the fire is undetermined,” he said. “It’s not suspicious.”
The family escaped unharmed, Crone said. “Thank heavens.”
“The firemen bravely. . . went back in and got the two cats,” she said.
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Crone said she hopes to raise $25,000 to help the family with the costs they now face.
The displaced family is staying with family, but are looking for a short-term rental in Corunna, where the kids go to school. she said. Then there are costs for meals, ongoing expenses and replacing lost items.
“They’ll need clothing for all of them,” Crone said. “With the amount of smoke that was there, I’d be surprised if they’d be able to salvage a lot.”
“I’ve known them close to 10 years now,” she said. “They’re a really kind family. They go out of their way to help other people all the time. . . they’re not the type to ask for help.”
The effort has won a great deal of community support, Crone said.
“The support has been fantastic,” Crone said. “I always thought Corunna was a great place to live. You really see it when this type of tragedy happens, and everyone bands together as a community to try and help out.”
“Even a firefighter who was there came and dropped off a donation. . . which was very overwhelming,” she added. “He was going over and above.”
The fire also damaged siding on a neighbor’s home, Crone said. “They’re such a sweet couple. They and their family donated, too.”
“I want to thank everyone in the community for everything they’ve done so far,” she said. “Every little bit of help is greatly appreciated.”
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