A fire has caused substantial damage to a home at 127 Main St. in Brighton, displacing seven people. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
After a devastating fire ripped through a Main Street home in Brighton, the Casey family is calling on the community for help.
John and Theresa were among the tenants displaced after the blaze ravaged a Brighton triplex at 127 Main St. back in November. In total, seven people were displaced.
Brighton fire officials earlier confirmed that the blaze was not considered suspicious, and the official cause was listed as undetermined before handing off the case to insurance company investigators. However, as previously detailed, initial reports suggested the cause was electrical in nature and no one’s fault.
Daughter Jewel Casey, their youngest, and a dedicated team, have been rallying to help her parents rebuild their lives. Earlier, Jewel launched a GoFundMe campaign, and now a series of fundraising events are in the works for this weekend.
Jewel said her parents lost all their belongings in the fire.
“Tragically, they were uninsured, leaving them with no safety net as they face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch,” explained Jewel.
Jewel is hoping the community will answer the call during the holiday season, “a time when community and generosity shine brightest”
Homeowners Risa Sander and her husband Mark Sander have owned the triplex since 1996.
Risa also earlier described the blaze as devastating for her long-time tenants, who, for more than a decade, called 127 Main St. home.
“These people, our friends, lost their homes, and just about everything they own,” Risa told MBC.
The Sanders also previously called Main Street home from 1996 to 2010 before making a move north of Cobourg to Mark’s family home to help his mom. They also maintained an apartment in the old-century home.
Risa earlier described her renters as impeccable tenants, who took incredible care of the home, just like it was their own. They loved it and looked after it and built their lives there – Risa also said these are some of the kindest, most lovely people she’s ever known.
Wondering how you can help? Here’s a quick rundown on events happening this weekend.
“While the tragedy occurred in Brighton, (most of) the events will take place in Belleville (and Quinte West) due to a lack of available venues during the busy Christmas season, as many locations in Brighton are booked for holiday parties and other festivities,” noted Jewel.
A virtual golf tourney will be hosted at Fairway Golf this Saturday, Dec. 14 in Quinte West from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Of note: This virtual tourney is powered by Trackman Technology, meaning it’s accessible Canadawide. Translation: People can join in remotely, making it possible for supporters from all over to contribute, explained Jewel.
There will be prizes, including a Greywolf Golf package for two, and a three-night premium lodge stay. Entry fees and donations will help the family rebuild.
There’s also a pancake breakfast at Shoeless Joe’s this Sunday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All proceeds from ticket sales and any donations collected at the event will go directly to the family’s recovery fund, noted Jewel.
Also happening Sunday is “Pizza for a Cause” at Vito’s Pizzeria in Brighton. Dine-in or takeout will translate to a contribution. For every pizza sold, $2 will be donated to the Casey family’s recovery fund.
Jewel said these fundraising efforts are critical and will support the family’s immediate and long-term needs, including helping them find and set up a new home. Help is also needed to replace essential belongings (i.e. furniture, clothing, et cetera), and for transportation support.
Monies will also be allocated for accessing professional supports, covering therapy and emotional support services to help cope with the trauma of losing their home, added Jewel.
“These funds aim to help the Caseys regain stability and rebuild their lives after losing everything. John and Theresa have always been known for their kindness and generosity in the Brighton community.
“The holiday season is a time for giving, and now more than ever, they need the support of friends, neighbours, and compassionate individuals from near and far. This is a chance to make a real difference for a family who has lost everything.”
The GoFundMe campaign is also still ongoing, with those details accessible online.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, brings the Casey family one step closer to rebuilding their lives,” said Jewel.
People looking for more information about the events or wanting to participate as a sponsor, donor or attendee, can also contact Casey at 613-813-9700 or kc.images@outlook.com.
“Let’s come together this holiday season to spread compassion and hope and help the Casey family rebuild after this heartbreaking tragedy.”
In the initial call out for help with the GoFundMe campaign, which Jewel launched, she wrote about how 127 Main St. was a place where cherished memories and a life filled with love and laughter were created. It was filled with everything they had worked so hard to build, wrote Jewel.
“My parents are the kindest, most selfless people I know,” wrote their daughter. “They’ve always been the first to help others, whether by offering a warm meal, a place to stay, or a shoulder to lean on.”
As previously reported, it took 27 Brighton firefighters to tackle the blaze and Trent Hills also responded, bringing in its aerial device to help access the roof. First-responders described an immense amount of debris and damage to the home.
Flames engulfed the residence on the night of Nov. 16, 2024. Emergency crews responded in force just after midnight, but the fire was quick spreading into the attic.
Fire Chief Gene Thompson explained earlier that the older home construction materials, the roof boards, layers of shingles and a layer of steel on the roof caused challenges. Crews were eventually pulled out for fear of the ceiling collapsing and had to switch to a defensive exterior attack at that time.
Another five adults who called upstairs home were also displaced by the fire.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
