Help Rebuild Our Lives After a Devastating Fire

Team fundraiser

Helen Pena and Jasmine Rugama are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Saturday, October 5, 2024, a tragic and intentionally-set fire swept through the townhome complex at Las Americas Villas in Monterrey Park (Calgary, AB), completely destroying three homes— our aunt Ivania’s being one of them. While we are incredibly grateful that our family members are safe, the emotional toll and the physical injuries they’ve sustained— namely burns still being treated in hospital —are overwhelming.

In the above photos, you see what is left of their home and all of their possessions.

This is why we, Helen and Jasmine, have decided to organize this GoFundMe in their name. Ivania and her family, including our 85 year old grandfather, lost everything they had in the fire, through no fault of their own. They are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs and are now facing the daunting task of starting over from scratch.

Unfortunately, the family did not have renter’s insurance to cover the loss, and rebuilding their lives from the ground up, including simply acquiring basic necessities such as eye glasses, feels impossible without support. We are asking for any assistance you can offer during this incredibly difficult time. Whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply a kind word, it all means the world to us. We’ve set up this GoFundMe page to help our aunt and her family begin the long process of recovery, and any support, no matter how small, would be deeply appreciated.

A Message From the Family

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous support. We would be nowhere without our community; you are helping us rebuild from nothing. The love and kindness we have seen and received will not be soon forgotten.