The Lakeland Fire Assistance Fund has been given out to the victims of the explosion and fire.

"Under the direction of the fund holder, the funds were to be distributed based on need," said Judy Neiser, executive director of the Prince George Community Foundation, the not-for-profit agency chosen as the independent facilitator of the funds. The money was donated by companies, groups and individuals to help those most impacted by the fatal blast that destroyed Lakeland Mills in April.

"At this time, the Prince George Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the P.G. Fire Assistance Fund Society has reported that all funds received to date have been distributed during the last few weeks," Neiser said. "We realize that the disbursement of this fund has taken much longer than even we anticipated. However, as you can appreciate, this was not an easy, nor a small task. The ‘need’ was great and as you may expect, it was very diverse along with the abilities of individuals to express their need within the application. There were many, many requests for assistance submitted."

Once the society formed, a disbursement committee was formed within the society that was made up of five individuals who were at arms-length from the company, the fund holder, the foundation, and the employees.

"In a community this tightly connected that was not an easy task," Neiser said, "But out of fairness to you as a recipient, it was important to select the right individuals. These individuals were very dedicated and focused on the manner with which they reviewed the applications; with dignity, courtesy, respect and a very strong desire to do what was 'as right as possible' for both the recipients and donors to the fund."

The final amount of money was not disclosed. The last reported total for the fund was about $400,000 but was still growing.

GOOD TIMBER

The fund is not closed. At least one other fundraising event is already planned. The stage play Good Timber will happen at the Prince George Playhouse at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $24 for students and seniors. They are available at Books & Company Box Office (1685 Third Avenue) or phone 250-563-6637.

The show is approximately 90 minutes long and is suitable for children aged eight and up.

For more information about Good Timber or the Other Guys Theatre Company, visit www.otherguystheatre.ca.