Upcoming events to benefit firefighters, town

FARMINGTON – There has been an outpouring of community support for those impacted by the Sept. 16 explosion at the LEAP Inc. building on the Farmington Falls Road. Initial donations included food for the firefighters at the scene, hundreds of offers of support for LEAP and the creation of funds to benefit the firefighters, their families and residents displaced by the incident.

Benefit events are listed below, in chronological order, followed by information reiterating some ways people can donate money.

Other events planned to benefit those impacted by the Sept. 16 explosion can be emailed to the Daily Bulldog here.

[Editor’s Note: This post was updated on Oct. 29, removing events that have already occurred.]

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‘Invite the Wild’ and ‘To Be Determined’ will hold a benefit concert on Nov. 9 at The Roost. All proceeds will be donated to three funds: the LEAP Explosion Fund at United Way, the Farmington Firemen’s Benevolent Association and the Farmington Disaster Relief Fund. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

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There are multiple ways for people interested in making donations to assist those impacted by the explosion. These include:

• The LEAP Explosion Fund has been established by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, to benefit firefighters, their families, LEAP Inc. and its employees and those displaced by the explosion. Funds will be distributed by United Way based on need, in consultation with community partners, local emergency agencies, town officials and social service providers. Donations can be made online, via mail to PO Box 126, Farmington 04938, or at the United Way office at 218 Fairbanks Road.
• The Farmington Firemen’s Benevolent Association is collecting money to benefit the firemen and their families. That fund was established through Franklin Savings Bank and donations will be accepted at all branches. Checks made payable to the fund of the donor’s choice can be mailed to: Franklin Savings Bank, ATTN. Hannah Boivin, PO Box 825, Farmington, ME 04938. Franklin Savings Bank is matching all donations in this and the following account, up to $10,000 per account.
• The Farmington Disaster Relief Fund is collecting funds to benefit others affected by the incident. This fund is also through FSB and those interested in contributing can follow the instructions for the previous entry. Again, FSB will match up to $10,000 in donations made to this account.
• A gofundme page has been established for Larry Lord, the maintenance manager of the LEAP Inc. The account was established to support Lord and his family. A FSB account has also been opened, under the name The Larry Lord Fund.
• The Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation is helping victims of the Farmington explosion by paying for hotel rooms, food and supplies, and other burn-related expenses not covered by insurance. Funds are being collected by Progressive Portland here.

Other events planned to benefit those impacted by the Sept. 16 explosion can be emailed to the Daily Bulldog here.