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Bay Roberts steps up for Fiona victims

By Mark Squibb/September 30, 2022

Bay Roberts council will be sending a donation to the people of Port aux Basques following the destruction caused by Hurricane Fiona last weekend.

“We would like to acknowledge the recent tragedy and devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona in Port aux Basques this past week,” said Mayor Walter Yetman during Tuesday night’s public meeting. “The west coast of Newfoundland was hammered by Hurricane Fiona. ‘Devastation’ is the word we’ve heard thousands of times over the last couple of days… People watched their houses that they lived in their whole lives, along with all their belongings, wash away. And the impact, we can’t even fathom it. We want to send our best wishes to Mayor (Brian) Button and his council and his staff and first responders, volunteers, and anyone who is helping out there, and wish them our very best. Here on the east coast, we feel helpless sometimes, being so far away.”

Yetman noted that both the provincial and federal governments are aiding folks in Port aux Basques, and that people can donate through avenues such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and GoFundMe.

“It’s good to see everyone is coming together and helping,” said Yetman. “We certainly wish them all the very best. They’ve been through a really rough time.”

Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour asked whether the Town’s donation policy would allow council to donate money to Port Aux Basques.

Seymour suggested a donation of $1,000, and councillor unanimously approved the amount.

It wasn’t decided which organization the money will go to, whether the Red Cross, Salvation Army or another group. That decision was left in the hands of Chief Administrative Officer Nigel Black.

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