Lakefield Community Comes Together to Support Families Affected by Fire

When fire broke out at the Home Hardware building in Lakefield on Thursday, October 9, it sent shockwaves through the village. Families were displaced, businesses in the downtown core were heavily impacted, and the community was left reeling from the devastation. Yet even in the midst of uncertainty, one thing became immediately clear: Lakefield would not let its neighbours face hardship alone.

As detailed in a recent Peterborough Weekly feature by local journalist Marina Kydd, the fire prompted an extraordinary outpouring of community care. Volunteer firefighters from Peterborough County responded within minutes, working tirelessly through intense heat and smoke to protect surrounding buildings and ensure public safety.

Read the full Peterborough Weekly article by Marina Kydd here:
https://peterboroughweekly.com/lightbox-flipbooks/#flipbook-df_566/1/
Credit: Marina Kydd, Peterborough Weekly

Local Organizations Step Forward to Help

Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) immediately began coordinating support for families whose pets were affected by the fire. Lyndsay Lisson De Ell, Director of Operations at LAWS, shared with Peterborough Weekly that the priority was ensuring families had what they needed to keep their pets safe and cared for.

“As soon as we heard what happened, we came together and said let us support anyone we can,” Lyndsay explained. “We were ready for anything.”

Supporting Pet Families Through Partnership

LAWS partnered with Village Pet Food and Supply and Redfern Resort to provide emergency assistance, ensuring no family felt alone in caring for their animals during the crisis.

🐾 Free pet food and litter were made available thanks to donations from Village Pet Food and Supply.
🐾 Supplies can be picked up during regular hours at Village Pet Food and Supply or at LAWS for those who need extra support.
🐾 Temporary boarding for dogs was generously offered by Redfern Resort for families who required a safe place for their pets.

This collaboration ensured that families could focus on their immediate needs while knowing their pets were safe, fed, and supported.

Businesses, Restaurants, and Volunteers Rally Together

Across Lakefield, local businesses and volunteers mobilized to help. Restaurants provided meals, organizations opened their spaces, and shops redirected fundraising initiatives to benefit those displaced by the fire. Community members offered donations, emotional support, and practical assistance.

In her article, Marina Kydd highlighted how powerful this collective effort has been, describing the response as a reminder of the strength, kindness, and resilience that Lakefield is known for.

Honouring First Responders

LAWS extends deep gratitude to the first responders whose bravery protected lives and prevented the fire from spreading further. Their swift action gave families and pets the time and safety needed to seek help.

Lakefield Strong

At LAWS, our mission is rooted in compassion and community care. In moments of crisis, the heart of Lakefield shines brightest. We are incredibly grateful to Village Pet Food and Supply, Redfern Resort, local businesses, volunteers, and every neighbour who stepped forward to help.

We remain here for any families and pets who may still need support. Together, we continue to stand strong.

Lakefield strong. Community strong. Compassion strong.

Special thanks to Marina Kydd and Peterborough Weekly for shining a light on the strength of our community.