County’s curator heading ‘home’ to help people of Goderich

You may know me as the Head Curator for Prince Edward County’s museums. I can honestly say that my love for all things heritage stems from growing up in Goderich, Ontario, with its lovely town square and impressive mid-19th century architecture as far as the eye could see.

Today, I happily hang my hat in the County where there is no shortage of fascinating history…a curator’s delight! My husband and son have deep roots here, but Goderich will always be “home” to me–as it was for five generations of my family before me.

Well, I’m heading home soon and I’m not sure I’ll be ready for what I see. My hometown has been devastated. There’s no other way to put it. People say be prepared, landmarks 150+ years in the making are no longer. The tornado of August 21 undid in 12 seconds what the better part of two centuries built up, with the help of 280 km/hr winds and a swath of furious storm 500 metres wide. A man lost his life and people’s homes and businesses have been destroyed, and many will never gain access to those buildings again, not even to gather personal mementos simply because its too dangerous. The place will never look the same.

Yes, Goderich is on the opposite side of Ontario from the County, but I can say without a doubt the people of Goderich would be eternally grateful for any help you could offer. The news clips on TV just don’t give the full picture. I suggest taking a peek at this youtube clip for a better understanding of what the town now faces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFBAIPNnDjE

Like the people of Prince Edward County, Goderich folk are resilient and determined. If you feel inclined to help them in their cause, I recommend these outlets for assistance:

The United Way of Kitchener Waterloo & Area has offered to help by supporting text donations with the help of Libro Financial in Kitchener-Waterloo. Text donations can be made from Aug. 23-31. To make a $5 donation text “UCARE” to 45678. The entire donation will go to the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund.

Financial donations to assist The Salvation Army’s relief work in Goderich can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or by visiting www.salvationarmy.ca and specifying that the donation is for the Goderich Tornado Relief Effort.

With thanks,
Jennifer Tigert Lyons