Community Corner

Neighbors Raise $27,000 For San Ramon Man Who Lost Home In Fire

His neighbors say he's a Vietnam Veteran who's always willing to lend a helping hand.

The home sustained major damage.
The home sustained major damage. (San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District)

SAN RAMON, CA — A San Ramon man whose home was significantly damaged in a fire Monday has received donations of more than $27,000 thanks to his neighbors.

Dave Ash's next-door neighbors, John and Dina Freij, started an online crowdsourcing campaign through GoFundMe after his Montevideo Drive home caught fire, as KTVU first reported.

Ash, a combat wounded Vietnam Veteran, has had financial struggles recently and did not have insurance, the Freijs wrote.

Find out what's happening in San Ramonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Ash taught their son to ride a bike. He's the kind of man who is always willing to help neighbors, they said.

As of Friday morning, nearly 400 donors had contributed and hundreds more had shared the fundraiser. The Freijs were more than halfway to their goal of raising $50,000.

Find out what's happening in San Ramonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Ash received an outpouring of support in comments left by donors. Many thanked him for his service to the United States.

"This man did his part, we are doing ours," one wrote.

"We are so sorry you have gone through this during an already difficult time," another said. "You have a neighborhood full of love and support and we look forward to seeing the progress of you rebuilding."

Ash told KTVU that he was thankful for everyone's help.

“God bless them,” he told the station.

Donate to the GoFundMe here.

Read more at KTVU.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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