Community comes to the aid of family grieving grandfather killed in Brampton house fire

Community members have donated nearly $2,000 to a Brampton family left grieving their father and grandfather who died in a house fire this fall.

The fatal two-alarm fire happened on Oct. 21 when a home on Hollybush Street near Fernforest Drive went up in smoke. Peel Regional Police said an adult and two children escaped the home but one adult died in the blaze.

Tennisha Dawkins was home with her two children and father on the day of the fire, according to friend Felicia Champagnie, who has started a fundraiser to help support the family.

And while the mother and her two young children managed to escape the home, Tennisha’s father Tom Dawkins died in the blaze.

“They are in mourning and everyone who is close to them and knows them is praying they will get through this most horrific time and circumstances,” Champagnie wrote on the GoFundMe page for the Dawkins family which has raised nearly $2,000.

Champagnie said Tom was “the rock” of the family and was a “respected family man” who is survived by a loving wife and family.

“My heart aches and is beyond heavy for them. Whether it be a monetary, food, or clothing donation; anything helps,” she said.

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services said the office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was notified of the two-alarm blaze in October.

To donate to the Dawkins family fundraiser visit www.GoFundMe.com.

BFES on scene, please avoid Rainforest and Hollybush st – 2 alarm fire in Offensive mode crews doing Fire attack and Primary search @DC_RMartin @NickRuller @BPFFA1068 pic.twitter.com/b6FpV1q1Qu

— Brampton Fire & Emergency Services (@BramptonFireES) October 21, 2023