Albert’s Meats in Saint John has been gutted by a weekend fire.
Not only was the business’ equipment either damaged or destroyed, but so were food donations that had been prepared for needy families.
“The community seems to be pretty good around this area because they know that there are a lot of families down here that don’t have a lot of money,” says the shop’s manager Tyrell Stone.
The shop had become known in the low-income neighbourhood for generous food donations. This year, it had prepared a couple dozen food baskets for a food drive.
“We promised to take care of 25 families this year for Christmas,” says Jaclyn Stone, the food drive’s organizer. “Unfortunately the store caught on fire and we lost everything. Everything is gone which is heartbreaking to say the least.
Saint John fire fighters were some of the first to drop by extra donations to recoup the loss.
“Well, these guys are going through a lot and I think anyone with a heart has got to feel this is the right thing to do,” says firefighter Bob Howard.
Some Saint John residents try to help however they can.
“And they do a lot for the north end here,” says Sharon Delong. “It’s the least I can do is come down and help out.”
Trevor Holder, a New Brunswick PC MLA, says he’s in awe of the community’s actions.
“Albert’s Meats was looking after several families,” he says. “And because of what happened the other night, that was no longer able to happen. But, look what the community does when we all come together.”
On Monday, the food drive received at least three times more food than what was lost in the fire.
Stone says though the shop’s immediate future may be uncertain, he does have plans to re-open.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron.
