PEI

P.E.I. firefighters help their brothers and sisters in Fort Mac

Firefighters who lost their homes in the Fort McMurray fire are getting a leg up from their colleagues on P.E.I.

More than $9,500 raised for firefighters who lost their homes

Cindy McFadyen, fire prevention officer for the Charlottetown Fire Department (left), Kory MacAusland of the Crossroads Fire Department, and Chief Allison Larkin of North Rustico, pose to celebrate the more than $9,500 raised. (submitted)

Firefighters who lost their homes in the Fort McMurray fire are getting a leg up from their colleagues on P.E.I.

Several organizations came together to raise more than $9,500 that will go to The Fort McMurray Firefighters Relief Fund. Kory MacAusland, of the Crossroads Fire Department, is the man behind the idea but he never expected it to get this big. 

"A few thousand I would have been happy, so it was pretty good to see all that come in." he said. 

'I just couldn't imagine'

When MacAusland heard about firefighters losing their own homes in the blaze he sprang into action.

He organized a boot drive with the Crossroads Department and then challenging the Charlottetown Department to do the same. Soon North Rustico and New Glasgow joined in selling T-shirts and organizing a concert. Donations also came from The Alberton Fire Department, Mayflower Seniors Club and the Hunter River Card Party. 

"The stories that came out of Fort Mac, I just couldn't imagine," said MacAusland.

"Standing there watching your home burn and then just continue on and save your neighbours house. Sacrifice your home to save your neighbours — it'd be a hard decision I imagine to try and make" 

Donations are still being accepted at The Royal Bank. You can make your donation payable to The Fort McMurray Firefighters Relief Fund.