Aerial photo of the damage caused by an explosion in Old East London. Photo provided by London police. Aerial photo of the damage caused by an explosion in Old East London. Photo provided by London police.
London

$50K in support to be provided to those impacted by Old East explosion

In the wake of the tragic explosion that left many families displaced and others homeless in London's Old East Village, donations are starting to make their way into the hands of those who have been impacted.

Over $50,000 from the London community is expected to be distributed over the next week after individuals, businesses, and organizations stepped up to donate cash, goods, and other services.

The outpouring of support came after a car crash on Woodman Avenue severed a gas line, which led to the massive blast in the usually quiet neighbourhood on the evening of August 14. Three homes have since been demolished and another five homes are deemed unsafe for reentry. 450 Woodman was destroyed in the initial explosion, while 448 Woodman and 452 Woodman were torn down by crews over the weekend. Residents of those homes have lost all of their possessions.

"The families directly impacted by the explosion, especially those who are still displaced from their homes, need our help now and over the weeks and months to come," the Old East Village Community Association said in a statement on Wednesday. "They also deserve peace and privacy during this difficult and disruptive time in their lives."

Community partners met on Tuesday to coordinate and streamline the process of distributing the donations of cash, goods and services that have come forward.

Immediate short-term financial assistance of $2,000 will be provided this week to the families who have been most severely impacted and remain displaced from their homes. A package of donated goods and services that meet the family’s immediate needs, will also be assembled by a "designated neighbour volunteer."

Individuals and families who were evacuated from their homes following the explosion will be receiving $250 in cash support, which is expected to cover the immediate costs associated with the evacuation.  These families will also have access to the donated goods.

The Old East Village Community Association said the total amount of donations is still being tallied. A number of fundraisers are still taking place this week as well.

The community group is asking that any funds raised be channelled to the Woodman Families Fund account at the Libro Credit Union. Donations are being accepted at all branches, with the credit union kicking in its own $10,000 donation. That donation was also matched by the Western Fair District. All immediate needs for donated food, clothing, furniture, etc have been met, the group said.

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