Matthew & Kyla Abbotsford Fire Recovery Fund

Matthew Tanner is organizing this fundraiser.

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On May 3rd, 2022 at 6AM the fire alarms in our 4th floor apartment located in Abbotsford, British Columbia went off. As we looked out the Kitchen window, past the renters insurance application on the counter, we could see smoke billowing past. We knew this would be bad, but we did not know that we were about to lose our first home together for good.

We left immediately with just the clothes on our backs and entered the hallway. We started to bang on doors to alert our neighbours to get out immediately. As we did so the door to the unit across the hall and to the left of ours opened to flames engulfing their balcony from below. At this point we had no more time to spare and escaped down the emergency stairwell.

Fire Engines arrived quickly and did all that they could. We counted at least 6 engines and crews from Abbotsford, Mission, and Langley on scene. Most importantly, as far as we know, everyone did get out of the building safely. Fire crews did as much as possible, but we, like so many others at the Tamarind building in Abbotsford, British Columbia, have lost our home and most likely all of our worldly possessions.

We returned to the site later in the day at 4:30pm and took some photo’s to get an idea if we may have anything to return to. We found that the roof had collapsed into our unit and there was one fire hose still dousing hot spots inside. Fire personnel and others have given us no reason to believe that anything inside is recoverable.

We are currently staying with family in Chilliwack, British Columbia where we both grew up. Because we do not have an idea of what, if anything could be recovered we do not have a list of household items/clothing required, but will update when we have more information. Any material donations can be arranged through us directly via the contact form below. Any donations received are greatly appreciated and will be going directly towards rebuilding our lives together. Thank you for all of your support.

Sincerely Matthew and Kyla