NORWAY — An anonymous donor has given the town $200 to cover the costs of a donation to the Lac-Megantic, Quebec, relief fund made last week by the Board of Selectmen on behalf the town.

On July 18, the board voted unanimously to join a statewide effort to raise funds for the rebuilding of Lac-Megantic after a devastating train derailment earlier this month. The amount was a match to the $200 contribution being sent by the Norway Firemen’s Relief Association.

The donation was requested by Farmington Town Manager Richard P. Davis in a letter to his colleagues across the state, asking for funds to assist Farmington’s “Sister City” to rebuild — a town with ties to many in this area.

On July 6, at about 1:15 a.m., an unattended 73-car freight train carrying crude oil derailed in the heart of town. It is now believed that as many as 50 people were killed and others missing after many of the tanks caught fire and exploded. More than 30 buildings in the town’s center, including the library, the historical society, 40 commercial and residential buildings in an historic district were obliterated.

In a brief note to Town Manager David Holt, the anonymous donor said he was submitting the donation so the town didn’t have to “find the money,” a reference to a comment made by Holt at the July 21 board meeting that he would “find the money” in the budget for the worthwhile effort.

All donations will go to the municipality of Lac-Megantic to use where it feels it’s needed. Contributions are being sought not only from municipalities throughout Maine, but also from residents and organizations. Contributions may be sent to any TD Bank, payable to the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

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