Lac-Mgantic collecting donations for Fort McMurray

Nearly three years after a deadly rail disaster destroyed the downtown core of Lac-Mgantic, residents of the Quebec community are mobilizing to help people in wildfire-stricken Fort McMurray, Alta.

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"When I saw the fire on TV, it sent a shiver down my spine, from myneck all the way down to my toes," said resident Raymond Lafontaine."It's atrocious. The people who are living through that will live with those images their entire lives."

In July, 2013,Lac-Mgantic's downtown core was levelled after a train carrying 72 cars of crude oil derailed and exploded. Lafontaine lost one son, two daughters-in-law and anemployee.The town still hasn't fully recovered, physically or emotionally.

Be brave. Don't give up, and rebuild while the adrenaline's still pumping.- Raymond Lafontaine, Lac-Mgantic resident

"The consequences of the fire are disastrous,"said LucBerthold,the Conservative MPfor MganticL'rable.

"Three years ago, our population was struck down by tragedy, and all of Canada helped us. Now it's our turn to help this community," Berthold said.

Canadians donated $14 million to the Red Cross following the rail disaster.

Berthold said townspeoplecontinueto feel the effects of the train derailment. It left 27 children without parents and160 people homeless,and damaged 44 buildings beyond repair.

A Quebec coroner ruled in October 2014 that the deaths in Lac-Mgantic were violent and avoidable.

Berthold, along with Lac-Mgantic MayorJean-Guy Cloutier, are collecting donations for the Red Cross.

• DONATE: Red Cross Alberta fires emergency appeal

"We understand what the people in Fort McMurray are going through," said Cloutier. "All expressions of solidarity are a valuable comfort, and our prayers are with them."

On Thursday morning, the federal government announced it would match any donations made to the Red Cross.

Lafontaine has some advice for the residents of Fort McMurray.

''Be brave. Don't give up, and rebuild while the adrenaline's still pumping,'' he said. ''Get back on your feet right away, breathe in life and try to move forward.''