Community organisers in New Westminster raised over $15,000 in pledges at a neighbourhood fundraiser intended to help residents still rebuilding their lives six weeks after the Pinecrest Manor apartment fire. The event, billed as the Common Table and organised by CentreCanada, took place at the charity’s New Westminster headquarters on Aug. 22.
Event aimed at immediate financial support
The dinner brought neighbours together for a night of music, comedy and a silent auction, drawing attention back to the consequences of the July 10 blaze that gutted a 42-unit building at 905 Fourth Ave. Local officials estimate about 150 people were displaced by the fire. Fire crews rescued several residents from balconies; two firefighters and one resident were taken to hospital, according to the City of New Westminster.
- Organisers report more than $15,000 in pledges from the Common Table event.
- Earlier community response had generated over $115,000 in cash and gift cards, which were being distributed to displaced residents.
- CentreCanada said it will not retain any donations to cover event costs and is consulting with the city and other community groups about distribution.
CentreCanada manager Kemal Sen framed the dinner as a way to unite different groups around a practical form of assistance. In remarks at the event, he described the gesture of coming together as especially meaningful.
"Having different communities side by side is one thing, but bringing those communities together around the same table is something much more powerful."
Fundraising in context of recovery needs
Sen said the campaign has an aspirational target of $100,000, which he characterised as ambitious rather than a precise estimate of losses. He welcomed the evening’s pledges while acknowledging that the needs of displaced people extend well beyond what any single fundraiser can meet.
InfoRadar sought confirmation from the City of New Westminster about how donations from community groups are being coordinated with municipal supports such as Emergency Support Services. City statements referenced in previous reporting indicated that, in the immediate aftermath of the fire, the best support for many displaced residents was direct financial assistance — a conclusion that helped shape CentreCanada’s approach.
| Item | Amount / Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Table pledges (Aug. 22) | $15,000+ |
| Earlier community donations (cash & gift cards) | $115,000+ |
| Campaign target | $100,000 |
CentreCanada said it has not yet finalised which community organisations will receive the proceeds from the dinner. The organisation is continuing discussions with the city and local partners to ensure funds are directed where they will best meet the needs of those still displaced.
The Common Table underscores the role local charities and neighbourhood networks play in disaster recovery, but also raises questions about long-term supports for tenants affected by major housing loss. Municipal and charitable leaders will need to sustain coordination as recovery moves from emergency assistance into rehousing and replacement of personal belongings.
For now, organisers and residents described the dinner as a tangible expression of solidarity even as practical challenges remain for many displaced households.
