GoFundMe campaign launched so entrepreneur can rebuild from fire

SPRINGSIDE — A GoFundMe campaign is underway to help a business owner rebuild following a devastating fire.

Catherine France launched the campaign, Help Matt restore his legacy after devastating shop fire. As of the afternoon of Aug. 6, it had raised $2,800 of its $5,000 goal.  

The campaign notes the shop Matt Harrison was renting from a friend caught fire, and in a matter of hours, everything was gone. Harrison lost all of his tools, including his welder, air compressor and body tools. The fire occurred in Melville. 

"But this wasn’t just equipment; it was a legacy," France wrote. "Many of the tools had been passed down to him from his dad and his grandpa. Generations of skill, dedication and passion went into collecting them. They helped shape Matt into his passion for auto body work and guided him into the line of work he loves most."

This fire didn’t just take away tools, France said, it took away pieces of his family’s history. And France added they're not ready to say goodbye to that legacy.

"We’re not ready to let it end here, especially with our own son still so young. We want to be able to pass this passion down to him one day too, just like it was passed to Matt," said France.

"We’re reaching out to friends, family, and our community to help Matt get back on his feet. Every donation, no matter the size, will go toward replacing essential equipment and helping him get back to doing what he loves most."

If people are able to give, share or send a few kind words, France said they appreciate them more than anyone could know.

"Thank you for helping us keep this dream, and this legacy, alive," she wrote.