May 03, 2008 - 11:56 PM
By Michelle Faulkner
BOWMANVILLE -- He lost his storefront and everything inside, but that hasn’t stopped Brett Graves, owner of Lange’s Photo, from trying to help others who were also devastated by last Tuesday’s fire in Bowmanville.
Mr. Graves, his family and friends gathered under a tent at the Maple Festival on Saturday May 3rd. The tent was placed in front of the empty lot where Lange’s Photo and Second Chance stood only days before.
“Other than the retail front, it’s business as usual,” said Mr. Graves, who has partnered with another lab to print his photos. He is glad that he can still run his business, despite the loss of the store.
Mr. Graves said it’s important for him to help all of the families who lost their homes in the fire. His parents, his brother and his girlfriend joined him in handing out balloons and taking donations.
“We’ve gone through about 400-500 balloons already,” Mr. Graves said. And there were still four hours left until the festival ended.
His brother, Todd, said they had to continually empty the money containers because people were being so generous with their donations. He saw many people donate $10 and $20 bills.
The Salvation Army is helping with the donations. At the festival, they were accepting non-perishable food items and money.
Sparky the Firedog was also on hand to have his photo taken with anyone who wished to make a donation.
Mr. Graves and his family ask that people give whatever they can to help those in need, whether it’s money, clothing, furniture or food.
Despite having lost his storefront, Mr. Graves is optimistic. He plans on reopening Lange’s Photo and making his business bigger and better than before.
“The support has been unreal from friends and family,” he said.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 35 Division Street in Bowmanville.
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