More than $26K (and counting) raised after Apsley, Ont., grocery fire

More than $26,000 has been raised through an online campaign for Sayers Foods employees after the store was lost to a blaze on Dec. 5.

Established by independent grocers and wholesalers across the country, the campaign has a goal of $100,000.

Once $50,000 is raised for employees, any additional money will go toward the Sayers family for the redevelopment of their new grocery store.

Several of the donations thus far have been made by other grocery stores and grocery store owners across the country. Summerhill Market in Toronto, Stong's Market in Vancouver, Canoe Fresh Food Market in Muskoka and Cataldi Fresh Market in Woodbridge all donated $1,000.

"Wishing the Sayers family and staff the very best at this difficult time from one family-owned grocer to another,'' said Gordon Dean, the owner of Mike Dean Local Grocer who also donated $1,000. North Kawartha Township Mayor Carolyn Amyotte said "more than ever before, we've seen our community come together to support each other as we respond to the Sayers Food fire.''

"I want residents to know that we are working every day to understand and address the needs of our community as the situation evolves,'' Amyotte stated a video posted to her Facebook page on Thursday.

Amyotte stated she'll be posting video updates every week to ensure everyone is aware of the resources available to access food and assistance until Sayers can be rebuilt. "I want to reiterate that these programs are here for you, so, please, use them if you need to,'' she stated.

"To our cottagers who have expressed an outpouring of support asking how you can help our community, please consider donating to Community Care so it can continue to provide these services to the residents of North Kawartha.''

The Community Care Apsley office stepped up to provide free bus transportation to Bancroft on Tuesdays and Fridays for township residents who need to shop.

Pickup locations are outside of the Community Care office in Apsley at 126 Burleigh St. and outside of the North Kawartha Community Centre at 340 McFadden Rd.

Community Care's Caremobile is also providing transportation to Bancroft or Lakefield every Wednesday at the same pickup locations. Volunteer drivers and shopping buddies are also available.