Katie and Mike's Fire Relief Fund

Hello, my name is Tamiko, and Katie is my best friend. Today around 11:00 am, on November 23rd, Katie and her boyfriend, Mike's home went up in flames. The fire completely destroyed their roof and they have no home to go back to. Katie and Mike have been renting their upper-level unit at their home on Melbourne Street in Hamilton since August 2020 and had all their belongings burnt in the fire. They luckily escaped with no injuries but had nothing except the clothes on their back. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

I feel incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with Katie during our time studying Graphic Design at Mohawk College. Despite her exceptional design skills, Katie has yet to secure a Graphic Design career. Until today, she dedicated her days to enhancing her portfolio and applying to countless graphic design jobs. Katie is not just an amazing designer; she's the nicest person I've ever met. She finds light in every situation. Even after losing everything in the fire, including her portfolio and computer containing numerous ongoing projects, she remained her cheerful self as Mike and his mom, who lived in the unit below, are safe, but Katie and Mike now find themselves with nowhere to go since Katie's family resides in P.E.I.

This setback is particularly challenging for Katie, as all her graphic design work was lost—partly in the fire and partly due to water damage from the firefighting efforts. She's left without any equipment and now faces the daunting task of rebuilding her portfolio from scratch. Your support could make a significant difference in helping Katie regain not just her belongings, but also the foundation of her creative career.

Mike, a dedicated programmer, has been the sole support for both himself and Katie during her job search. His unwavering work ethic is commendable, always pushing himself to acquire new skills. Despite facing the challenge of relocating to a new neighbourhood, Mike's primary concern lies in saying goodbye to his favourite feline friends in the area, a testament to his compassionate nature. Fortunately, Mike is fortunate to have a remarkably supportive job that extended assistance during this transitional period.

Now, we rally together to help them rebuild their lives. We are striving to raise $7,500 to secure a new home, covering the first and last deposit on a fresh start. Additionally, these funds will aid in easing the burden of moving expenses and sustaining them through this challenging time, ensuring they have the essentials like food while displaced. Despite the trauma of this experience, they continue to radiate positivity. A heartfelt thank you is owed to their caring neighbours who, in the blink of an eye, checked on their well-being. As they embark on this new chapter, Katie and Mike remain optimistic and, above all, express gratitude for their safety. For those who have already taken the time to read this GoFundMe and/or contribute, we express our deepest gratitude.

CBC Article

The Spectator Article