Overwhelming Support For Owen Sound Arson Victims

The Owen Sound Police Service thank the hundreds of people who came to support their fundraising barbeque today to help the victims of last week’s senseless criminal acts.

Inspector Stephen MacKinnon stated, “Truer words, #owensoundstrong, have never been spoken. Yes, the professionals have been doing their duties and the service agencies have been fulfilling their mandates since the tragedy, but once again the public has shown their mettle. And thanks to their generosity we were able to raise almost $8,000 today.”

That figure includes three large donations made by the South Bruce Peninsula ATV Club ($1,000), the Township of Chatsworth Fire Fighters’ Association ($1,000), and the Grey-Bruce V.O.N. ($850). There were numerous examples of people donating far more than twenty dollars – one man asked for a $5 hot dog and paid with $60; another man paid $200 for his meal.

The line-up of people, which curled around through the front parking lot, saw parents with babies in strollers and youngsters with grandparents, middle aged and seniors, and people obviously on their lunch break from work. All graciously waited to buy a hamburger or hot dog (and drink) for $5 or to donate $20 and receive the meal plus a T-shirt with the words #owensoundstrong on it. Some ate at the tables and chairs set out at the front of the station, while others packed up a half-dozen burgers and drinks to take back to the office.

“While the nearly 400 hamburgers and hot dogs were sold out over the two-hour period, it took only 20 minutes to sell all one hundred T-shirts that had been printed. So as not to disappoint anyone, we took the names and contact information of over 200 people today and will be ordering more shirts. Anyone wishing to purchase a T-shirt can contact Community Services Officer Constable Mike Dazé at 519-376-1234 ext #161 or [email protected]”, said MacKinnon.

Although Police Chief William Sornberger’s intent in hosting the barbeque was solely as a way for the Owen Sound Police Service to do their part in helping to raise funds, some people also took the opportunity to thank them for keeping their community safe. Inspector MacKinnon was humbled when one couple, victims of the arson and who lost everything, including personal and sentimental items that can never be replaced, shook his hand and thanked [the police] for catching the people responsible.

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