Construction is expected to be completed in the next few weeks to replace a barn at a Chatham-Kent animal rescue centre that was destroyed by a massive fire.
On July 2, a blaze broke out at Charlotte’s Freedom Farm animal sanctuary on Brook Line. As a result of the fire, the facility's barn was destroyed and nearly a dozen animals were killed.
However, Charlotte’s Freedom Farm Founder Lauren Edwards said construction on a new barn is well underway and coming along smoothly.
Edwards said the remains of the original barn were demolished in mid-August and construction on the new barn began shortly after. Since then, Edwards said walls have gone up, a roof has been installed and the cement floor has been poured.
"We're two weeks in and I can't believe how quickly the new barn is getting up," she said. "I didn't dream it would be this quick. I was worried about not having space for winter but that is definitely not something to worry about now."
Edwards said she expects the project to be completed by the end of September and said it will be a positive next step in the healing process after the devastating fire.
"We can start trying to move on. I found both [Animal Caretaker Christine Rettig] and I got really emotional when they started building the new barn. It was just another step I think we needed to get through and start getting life back to normal," she said.
Charlotte’s Freedom Farm fire in Chatham-Kent on July 2, 2020 (Photo via Charlotte’s Freedom Farm Facebook)
Charlotte’s Freedom Farm used to operate in Lakeshore, however, Edwards purchased the Brook Line property in December 2019 and the animals were moved over in May 2020. All the animals on the property are rescued from the farm industry. Many come to the sanctuary with health problems or as orphans before being rehabilitated and allowed to live freely.
Overall, Edwards said her, the staff, and the remaining animals have been doing well over the past two months. Meg, a pig that was severely burned in the fire, is also healing well and has completed about 90 per cent of her recovery process, according to Edwards.
A rescue dog from Texas, a miniature pony as well as five cats and several ducks perished in the blaze.
"I still cry often enough but overall I feel we're doing well and moving forward," Edwards said. "We've taken in a couple of other animals since. Just overall doing well."
Edwards also praised the community for stepping up and helping after the tragedy, noting that she received more donations than she could have ever imagined with people reaching out and donating from across the world.
According to Edwards, insurance covered $115,000 towards the construction of a new barn, leaving Charlotte’s Freedom Farm on the hook for around $100,000. Edwards estimated that they've been able to raise around $70,000 so far.
Edwards is also the owner of three local Pet Valu franchises and the farm recently received a $5,000 donation from Pet Valu Canada to care for the 30 rescue animals that were left homeless by the fire.
Edwards said she hopes to host more fundraising events in the near future. Once construction of the barn is complete, she said she intends to hold an event to celebrate the milestone.
"I'd like to but being realistic with everything going on, I think it will be next April that we try and do something," she said.
For anyone who would like to stay up to date with barn progress, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities, Edwards recommends following Charlotte’s Freedom Farm on social media