KIRKLAND LAKE - Northern College is stepping up to support students impacted by a recent fire.
Twenty-five people were displaced by the Sept. 21 fire that destroyed the 52 Government Rd. building, which had 16 apartment units.
Kirkland Lake campus manager Drew Enouy said five students at the college were impacted by the fire.
“We allocate funds each year for unexpected situations like this, providing $1,500 per affected student to help them recover,” he said.
Initially, it was thought that only two students were affected, but three additional students living in a neighbouring building also required assistance due to smoke and water damage, Enouy said.
SEE: Dozens of people displaced, cat missing after Kirkland Lake fire
The emergency funding will help replace personal items such as clothing and dishware. The college is also providing laptops for students to ensure their studies remain uninterrupted.
“It seems to be mostly international students impacted, which adds an extra burden for them, being so far from home and needing to replace things quickly,” Enouy said.
“From what we understand, they all have found other places to go, which is great. I'm not sure if those who were in that second building if they'll be able to go back in there. I know there were some issues with insurance and kind of fixing up electrical and such.”
In addition to the emergency funds, Northern College is collecting donations to further help the affected students.
“It’s heartening to see the community rallying together,” Enouy said.
“Kirkland Lake and surrounding communities are always generous in times like these.”
The fire started around 3 p.m. on Sept. 21, with Kirkland Lake Fire Chief Earl Grigg stating that firefighters arrived on the scene within two minutes.
Assistance came from neighbouring fire departments, totalling approximately 40 firefighters involved in the efforts, which concluded by 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 22.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is suspected to be electrical, with total damages estimated at around $500,000.
To contribute to the recovery efforts, a donation section is available on Northern College's website here.
