The region is rallying behind the popular downtown Kenora eatery, The Hungry Pug Cafe, after it was destroyed by a suspicious fire.
So far, nearly $30,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe page ‘Support the Hungry Pug’, which was launched by patron Bekkie Vineberg.
According to the Kenora Fire Services, the incident which led to the building’s destruction is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshall and OPP.
According to a report by the Kenora Miner and News newspaper, the Tuesday fire is considered suspicious in nature. The call for the fire came in at 2 a.m. Tuesday, June 28. According to The Miner and News, the fire was originally reported in a dumpster behind The Hungry Pug, located at 301 Second Street, but by the time crews arrived, the building was actively burning. Although crews were able to battle the blaze, The Hungry Pug was destroyed and adjacent buildings sustained smoke and water damage.
Two additional fires were reported the same night, including a newspaper box in flames at 1 a.m. and the back of a pickup truck on fire at 6:10 a.m., according to the Miner and News.
It has not been confirmed if the reports were related.
On her GoFundMe page, Vineberg expressed the hope that the funds will, “support Carl and his staff as they move through this transition.”
She added, “my hope is that The Hungry Pug, which has served this community so well, has been a beacon of love and acceptance, has provided safe nourishment for so many, will come to be again.”
To donate to the GoFundMe, visit https://gofund.me/f91dc9b5, or search “Support the Hungry Pug” on gofundme.com.
