Portsmouth does a ‘Lap of Love’ to support fire victims

Donations still being accepted in Common Fence Point

Posted 2/18/18

PORTSMOUTH — “This is a surprise,” said Aimee Sweeney as she motioned over to a group of local firefighters gathered in front of the Common Fence Point Improvement Association …

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Portsmouth does a ‘Lap of Love’ to support fire victims

Donations still being accepted in Common Fence Point

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — “This is a surprise,” said Aimee Sweeney as she motioned over to a group of local firefighters gathered in front of the Common Fence Point Improvement Association (CFPIA) Community Hall, along with several department vehicles Sunday afternoon

The occasion was a “Lap of Love” to show support for the victims of a three-house fire in the neighborhood on Feb. 7, which took the life of 76-year-old Richard Kanauss.

“We just wanted to show our support,” explained Capt. Steven Lynch of the Portsmouth Fire Department, who was among the many first-responders who fought the fast-moving fire that destroyed three homes.

Ms. Sweeney, CFPIA’s vice president, organized the Lap of Love as a way of paying a good deed forward. 

Her Summit Road house was destroyed by fire in 2014, but the family rebuilt the home after the community rallied behind them with donations and emotional support — including a “Lap of Love” that was replicated Sunday.

In addition to mourning Mr. Kanauss, a 30-year resident of the neighborhood, neighbors have also been brainstorming ways to help the other victims of the fire.

Three people in one of the other homes managed to escape without injury. A couple that owned the third home was fortunately not in Rhode Island at the time of the fire.

Donations of cash and gift cards for the victims can be dropped off at the CFPIA Community Hall, which is usually open during the day for various activities.

 

Checks can also be made out to CFPIA and mailed to 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871-5605.

Common Fence Point Improvement Association, CFPIA, Common Fence Point

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