By Cecilia Nasmith
Cobourg Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin battled tears as she shared news with council this week about last weekend's fire at the Forth Street home of the DeJong family.
As a result, Seguin said, Stephanie DeJong and her children Jackson and Chloe are homeless.
“The family lost everything and the home could not be saved,” she said.
“I spoke with Stephanie to see what we can do to help.
“The community has responded with gifts to the kids and mom, gift cards and thousands of dollars in financial donations.
“The phone has been ringing off the hook, and we will be visiting Stephanie this Friday with a big donation from this amazing town,” she added.
Councillors also acknowledged another family who is suffering from loss – the Kerin family of Campbellcrofts, whose two children were boarding their schoolbus recently when it was hit by an out-of-control driver. Twelve-year-old Cormac was killed, and his younger sister Shea is still in the hospital.
Nicole Beatty sent her condolences.
“I know many in the hockey community who were heavily impacted by this loss,” she said, referring to a favourite pastime of Cormac's.
“As always, our community is rallying around this family.”
“I would like to thank all the various organizations that have come to the support of the Kerin family,” Mayor John Henderson said.
“At this point, they have a Go Fund Me page, so if you have an opportunity, or perhaps if you know the family directly or indirectly, if you feel you can help out in any way, I know any indication of support would be welcome.”
