Flood committee comes to an end

Posted 2 months ago

David Gough

Courier Press staff

The Wallaceburg Disaster Relief committee can finally rest.

The committee has finished their effort to raise money for Wallaceburg flood victims, as the last cheque was handed out and cashed at the beginning of the month.

The committee raised the money this past spring to assist a number of families who were affected by the February flood.

“All the cheques were out and cashed before the end of August,” said committee chairperson Rob Simpson.

Even with the committee completing the work, Simpson said he wishes they could do more.

“It was an excellent effort by the committee. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with a group of people. I just want to give credit to them and their organizations.”

The committee was made up of a coalition of Wallaceburg service groups.

Simpson was from the Legion, vice-chair Yvette Bowsher is from the Canadian Belgian Dutch Club, Daryl Shepley from the Moose Lodge, Vince Bryden from the Knights of Columbus and Darryl Williams from the CBD Club.

“They worked hard, as well as the people that helped us,” Simpson said.

The committee worked tirelessly on a number of fundraisers to reach their target of raising nearly $30,000 in only 30 days.

“Hopefully we don’t have to do this again, but it’s good to know that Wallaceburg has these types of people representing us.”

A total of 20 households applied for relief, with 17 being eligible. The committee raised $28,429, and with the province adding close to $18,000 in funding.

A ceremony was scheduled for this week to honour and recognize the committee for their efforts.

“I’m glad that we were there in a very speedy manner and were able to help people,” Simpson said. “..in the end we were able to be a little more generous than we thought we were going to be.”