COMMUNITY MOURNS GIRL'S DEATH

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation is organizing a collection for a family grappling with incalculable loss.

Marshall Howick and his wife, Norma White-Howick, escaped a fire that started in the early hours of March 13 with four of their children. However, 10-year-old daughter, Ava, was pronounced dead on the scene.

The community of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations expressed support for the family, requesting privacy from the public.

"Our focus is on working with Victim Services of Haldimand Norfolk and Mississaugas of the Credit to support the family at this difficult time," said Chief Stacey Laforme in a statement. "Please join us in expressing our sincere condolences and prayers to the family, and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Sacred fires were lit for grieving community members at the fire pits of Lloyd S. King Elementary and Ekwaamjigenang Children's Centre on March 14, with the men's drum group present well into the evening.

Electronic funds transfers will be accepted at accountsreceivable@mcfn.ca with "Donation for a Family" in the message, and note if a receipt is requested.

Cash donations can be brought to the administrative building at 2789 Mississauga Rd., Building #1, Hagersville.

As of press deadline, neither the cause of the March 13 fire nor any evidence of smoke alarms in the trailer "can be determined at this time," said Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) spokesperson Sean Driscoll.