Toronto Maple Leafs replace Riverview super fan’s collection after fire

WATCH ABOVE: Toronto Maple Leafs super fan Matt Ward was caught in a house fire last month, and while he got out safely his cherished Maple Leafs memorabilia was lost. As Global’s Brion Robinson reports, his beloved team came to his support.

RIVERVIEW, N.B. – A young man with a severe form of muscular dystrophy is getting over the trauma of a house fire with help from his favourite team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sent Matt Ward a special package full of team memorabilia after the fire.

“It feels really good and awesome,” he said.

Ward has been cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs since he was a young boy. His disease has left him bed-ridden. But he found joy watching Leafs games from his room.

That was until his home caught fire last month. Ward was dragged out of his room on his mattress.

READ MORE: Leafs fan with muscular dystrophy dragged out of home during fire

His condition was so serious following the fire, he spent time in the hospital for treatment.

His family has been staying in a house owned by a Riverview couple until their home is ready to live in again.

His mother, Elan Saniga, says she’s glad her son got out safe. But she says much of his beloved Leafs memorabilia was lost in the fire.

READ MORE: Riverview couple hand over home for Matt Ward and his family

“Unfortunately we had stored a whole lot of it in the basement which was the bulk,” she said. “His Christmas decorations and things and that’s lost.”

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She said getting the package from the Leafs, which included signed jerseys and photos, is helping her son on his road to recovery.

“Overwhelmed that they had taken the time to do that because it meant so much to Matthew,” she said.

“He was feeling really, really down so it was amazing.”

READ MORE: Inspiring 22-year-old believes in himself, and the Maple Leafs