All Seasons Motel owner Pratik Patel stepped up to the plate and opened his doors when residents at 733/735 Waterloo Street were displaced following an early Sunday morning fire. Other Port Elgin businesses also came forward with assistance including Harvey's Swiss Chalet, The Wismer House, The Salvation Army and Scrapbag Quilters.
Hub Staff
The sun is now shining, the smoke has cleared and minimal damage is visible from outside of the apartments of 733/735 Waterloo Street. It’s hard to imagine just days prior, the sleep of the tenants here was interrupted by sirens and smoke alarms.
In the very early hours of Sunday morning, February 24, the tenants at the Port Elgin apartments were rushed out of their beds and homes into the cold night air. Fortunately, there were no resulting injuries and soon all tenants were safe and sound just half a block away at the Port Elgin All Seasons Motel. The owner of the motel, Pratik Patel said he didn’t think twice about offering up rooms to accommodate all of the families and individuals who were displaced due to the fire.
As it turns out, a roof over their heads was just the beginning of the outpouring of generosity that quickly ensued. As word spread of the incident, members of our community opened their hearts and businesses to help the stranded residents.
When the manager at Harvey’s Swiss Chalet on Goderich Street was informed of the situation, she and her staff packaged lunch for each individual ready for pickup in a mere 15 minutes. A hearty supper was supplied by Jeff Carver of The Wismer House, again serving up complete meals for every individual affected by the fire.
The Living Hope Christian Centre prepared food baskets with all the necessities including plates and utensils and Diane Thorne of The Salvation Army opened her store on her day off to provide for those in need. Arguably the warmest gift these people could have received came from the Scrapbag Quilters of Saugeen Shores who donated a handmade quilt to every victim, providing an extra bit of comfort during this time of duress.
Apartments on Waterloo Street in Port Elgin where an early morning fire occurred February 26.
Fire officials were still on hand Tuesday afternoon following a Sunday morning fire at 733/735 Waterloo Street.
