'Fire extinguisher in every vehicle' campaign grows as solemn anniversary nears
Saturday will mark one year since the tragic loss of 35-year-old Cindy Devine in a fiery collision.
On Oct. 2, 2020, the St. Thomas woman's vehicle was struck on Highbury Avenue between St. Thomas and London.
She survived the crash before her vehicle caught fire. Passersby tried to help but ultimately had to back away.
Cindy died, leaving behind her husband and their four children.
Shortly after the crash, local people in the St. Thomas area began a campaign to put fire extinguishers into as many vehicles as possible.
“To date, three draws, 300 extinguishers for cars and 19 home ones we have given away,” states key organizer Tony Bendel.
‘Cindy's Law’ is the ultimate goal of the campaign. Bendel says it would see provincial legislation requiring all vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher.
“Our goal is to make sure all cars on the road have them. So, we want to get it implemented for your safety.”
While the effort will take time, in the interim, the local campaigns continue to grow.
Bendel says the St. Marys Fire Department is the latest to come on board.
With the support of numerous businesses, the Stonetown community will give away free fire extinguishers this Saturday -- on the anniversary of Cindy’s death.
Fire extinguishers can be picked up starting at 10 a.m. at the fire hall until the supply runs out.
Donations will also be accepted.
“We can only grow from there in Perth County. I’m hoping Stratford, Sebringville, Listowel, Mitchell will all jump on,” Bendel tells CTV News London.
And if they do, he believes the effort will make a difference and, one day, save a life.
Already, the fire extinguisher campaign created in Cindy Devine’s name has made a difference.
“We did hear of one story where there was a fire at a parking lot in a mall in London. Of course, thank God nobody got hurt. But, the person with the fire extinguisher to put it out, had won it in one of our draws.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.