Angela’s home and Community Day Care Lost to Altadena Fire

Hi friends and our beautiful community,

For those who don’t know me, I’m John, Angela’s ex-husband and the father of her two children, Zara and Aidan. I’m setting up this fundraiser for Angela as she is directly impacted by the LA wildfires.

The house that Angela lives in and where she ran her Olive Tree Learning Center, a home daycare that’s been operating for 11 years, was destroyed in the current firestorm ravaging LA.

Not only did Angela lose her business - our children Zara and Aidan lost their childhood memories and artifacts in the house and garage.

It was my first house and my first renovation when we were together. Aidan and Zara grew up in this house and have so many fond memories.

Even though I’m back in Australia now, I wanted to set up this GoFundMe for Angela as she navigates this awful situation for herself and her family.

Angela’s message:

“11 years ago, I turned a 1924 Janes Cottage in Altadena into something extraordinary: Olive Tree Learning Center. It wasn’t like any other home daycare; it was a sanctuary where children learned, played, and grew. Families found connection and support. I poured myself into every detail, restoring the home with care and creating a space filled with joy and possibility.

The Eaton Canyon wildfires took it all in a single, devastating moment. The cottage, meticulously restored and prepared to celebrate its 100th anniversary, is gone. I have lost more than a house, I’ve lost the space where we nurtured a generation, where we invested years of love, energy, and hope.”

This loss is profound, but so is the community that grew around Angela’s vision. Now, we have the chance to give something back to someone who has given so much.

Every contribution will help them begin again. Your support will aid through this tragic event, thank you so much.

Zara’s message:

“I truely cannot believe it. My home since I was a toddler is gone. The yard where my brother Aidan and I spent playing badminton, the big window nook I’d sit on, the deck where my friends came over and hung out on. It felt like us. And now, it’s just gone. I’m still in shock. My bed, where I spent countless nights reading and writing. The window I put my unicorn stickers on and the little library that I cherished so deeply, are all ash.

My mum is heartbroken. I’m trying so hard to be strong for her. That house meant everything to her. She poured years of love into The Olive Tree Learning Center. It was her dream, her gift to the community. It was a place filled with laughter, care, and so much joy. I loved playing with the kids there, seeing their little faces light up. Laughing as their little hands wave goodbye to me out the big window. It hurts so much to think I’ll never get to experience that again.

I keep reminding myself we’re lucky. We’re alive. And we’re a part of this incredible, resilient community that’s shown us so much kindness and support already.

Thank you for standing with us. It means more than I can ever say.”