One month after a devastating fire tore through Portland’s Custom House Wharf, the commercial fishing community and the wider Maine public have delivered a powerful reminder of what a working waterfront means to the people who depend on it.
In the weeks following the fire, hundreds of individuals. Local businesses, musicians, and community organizations rallied around fishermen and dockworkers whose gear, shops, and livelihoods were damaged or destroyed. According to a final donation update posted by the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), nearly $200,000 has been raised to help meet the needs identified by those directly affected by the fires. MCFA graciously jumped into action immediately after the fire to begin raising funds, which is also open to donations until January 30 at 3 p.m.
“The immediate outpouring of community support for the recovery effort has been awe-inspiring,” MCFA wrote in a Facebook post announcing that the relief fund would soon close. “We are proud to say that together, we have nearly reached the goal of meeting the need estimated by the affected fishermen.”
MCFA noted that conversations with fishermen, dockworkers, and the wharf managers have underscored a shared sense of gratitude for the community that stepped in so quickly.
“The money is obviously helpful, but for the fishermen impacted by this fire, having the community say loudly and clearly that they are standing with them through these difficult times means so much,” said Ben Martens, executive director of MCFA. “It has kept them going as they try and put things back together.”
Local seafood businesses were among the earliest supporters. Harbor Fish Market shared MCFA’s fundraising message, amplifying the call for donations and highlighting the collaboration effort that brought together “hundreds of individuals, local businesses, and community groups” to help rebuild after the fire.
For fishermen who lost decades’ worth of equipment, the assistance has been both practical and deeply personal. News Center Maine reported that among those impacted was 85-year-old fisherman George Olsen, whose shop and gear were destroyed in the fire. Olsen told News Center the loss went far beyond physical equipment.
“It’s like losing your family almost,” Olsen said. “I lost probably 33 years’ worth of equipment. My radar melted. Everything I had was gone.”
Corporate donations also played a key role in advancing the fund. According to News Center, Hannaford Supermarkets contributed $50,000 in direct funding, along with food donations and $6,000 in gift cards for those affected. Erika Dodge Katz, Hannaford’s director of external communications, described the effort as “an all-hands moment” to support the fishing community.
“Fishermen are a part of our local food system, and Hannaford has a long history of supporting our fishermen and communities. When they called and said they wanted to donate $50,000, my jaw hit the floor,” said Martens.
Beyond direct donations, Maine’s music community stepped up in a major way. On January 17, the Don Campbell Band organized the Wharf Recovery Benefit Concert at Aura in Portland, bringing together 11 musical acts across genres ranging from rock and roll to country. According to WGME CBS 13 News, the sold-out concert raised $15,000 for fishermen affected by the fire, with all performers donating their time.
The musical lineup included Maine favorites 12/OC, award-winning singer-songwriter Don Campbell, and American Idol finalist Julia Goagnon, among others. WGME reported that proceeds from the concert helped bring the total amount raised from public and business donations to $183,000 at the time of the event.
To keep momentum going, the Don Campbell Band and event organizers launched an online auction featuring a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar donated by Guitar Center South Portland. The guitar is signed by the artists who performed at the benefit concert, including Jonathan Edwards, Julia Gagnon, members of 12/OC, Don Campbell, and several other Maine musicians.
“January 17th was more than just a concert- this night was bigger than the music,” the Don Cambell Band wrote in a Facebook post. “Every bid helps raise even more funds for the waterfront recovery efforts.”
The auction reflects the broader theme that emerged throughout the recovery effort: a community determined to stand shoulder to shoulder with its fishermen. From dockworkers and seafood markets to musicians and grocery chains, support crossed industries and generations.
For Olsen and others whose lives were upended by the fire, the relief fund represents more than financial help. It is proof that Maine’s working waterfront is not just infrastructure, but a living community that shows up when it matters most.
“The working waterfront is a part of Portland,” Martens said. “In so many coastal cities, a wall has been built between the working waterfront and the rest of the community. Not in Portland. The fishermen are a part of the community and part of what makes Portland such a special place.”
As MCFA prepares to close the relief fund and begin final distributions, the association emphasized that the collective response has helped ensure the fishermen impacted by the fire are not facing recovery alone- and that Portland’s working waterfront remains a shared priority with protecting.
