In the aftermath of multiple wildfires that swept through the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove last summer, a generous couple from the Codroy Valley stepped up to help by donating over 450 trees to the community. Harrison Bragg and Judy Warren, who were winding down their nursery business, embarked on a journey to Conception Bay North to distribute the trees.
Expressing empathy for those who had suffered losses, Warren mentioned, “We understood how these people must feel to lose everything, and we just felt like we wanted to help, and we didn’t know any other way to do it.” However, their plans hit a snag when they encountered a prolonged delay due to a vehicle accident on the Trans-Canada highway, forcing them to sleep in their truck upon arriving late with no accommodations.
Despite the setback, the couple persevered, and with the help of a Facebook post, a meet-up was arranged for community members to collect the trees. Bragg described the experience as heartwarming, seeing the community’s joy and enthusiasm in receiving the trees and seeking advice on planting them.
Warren shared touching encounters with residents, including a woman who lost her entire garden to the fires and was planning to replant. She also learned about plans to involve students in replanting cedars near the school. The couple estimated the value of the donated trees at nearly $9,000.
Mayor Curtis Delaney expressed gratitude for Bragg and Warren’s donation, emphasizing that their generosity extended beyond the trees and uplifted the spirits of the community. Looking ahead, Bragg intends to send thousands of seeds next summer to support further tree planting efforts. He emphasized their intention to restore the greenery without seeking recognition, saying, “We didn’t want no recognition for this here. We just wanted to get the trees down to you people. We’ll turn it green again.”