A large number of donations came in over the weekend at a clothing drive for victims of last week's fire in Coquitlam.
Coquitlam Centre and Share Family and Community Services partnered for the event, which was held at the shopping mall last weekend.
Deborah Stetz, Coquitlam Centre's marketing director, said 800 large garbage bags worth of donations were dropped off on Saturday. On Sunday, four times that amount was dropped off and more than $1,200 in cash was raised over the weekend.
"It was awesome," she said. "It was quite incredible how much was donated on very short notice."
Now, Share will go through the donations and get it organized for the victims of the fire. Any left over items will be taken to the Port Moody thrift store and the food bank, Stetz added.
Last Monday, fire tore through an apartment complex on Glen Drive, leaving close to 100 people homeless.
The blaze broke out on a balcony near a barbecue and some recycling, quickly moving up the side of the building before moving into an airspace in the ceiling.
Nobody was injured in the incident and officials do not believe the fire is suspicious.
Residents can still help out victims who have been displaced by the blaze.
The Coast Capital Savings branch in Coquitlam has setup a victims fund in the name of "Coquitlam Fire Victims" and additional information can be found at www.coquitlamfirevictims.ca.
The city is encouraging residents of the Glen Drive building to contact the property manager and their insurers for more information. News will continue to be posted on the city website at www.coquitlam.ca/news and an information line has been set up at 604-927-4357.
FITNESS BLAST FOR FIRE
Several local fitness instructors are holding a Fitness Blast fundraiser to help Glen Drive fire victims.
The fun workout will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at Glen Pine Pavilion and will feature fitness leaders Andrea Raybould (Zumba), Debra Nicol (tabata and fusion), Janice Domingo (cardio kickboxing) and Pam Keefe (yoga and stretch). You don't have to stay for the full 90 minutes; just do what you can, or simply make a donation - and don't forget your water and a towel.
Ticket cost $10 at the door and 100% of the proceeds will go to the fund set up by Coast Capital for fie victims. Glen Pine Pavilion is located at 1200 Glen Pine Crt. in Coquitlam, between Glen and Burlington drives.
