479 Queen Fire Recovery Fund
Donation protected
What Happened?
My name is Graham Macdonald and as many of you have probably heard, on April 26, the apartment my 3 roommates and I were renting was destroyed by a fire that started next door. Thankfully no one was injured in the fire, we are extremely humbled and thankful for that.
Here is a link to some news coverage of the fire.
We are truly devastated as that house, was really special to us and were hoping to live there many years to come. Further, all of our possessions have been lost including some expensive equipment that we use to supplement our livelihoods. Unfortunately, none of us have an tenants insurance and as you can expect it will be quite costly for us all to get back on our feet.  
Who was Affected?
Graham Macdonald - LinkedIn Bio 
Urban Planner and Social Specialist. Moved to Toronto in 2010 and didn't look back. Currently working part of the year in Cairo and an all around jolly good fellow ;).
I lost general household items, living room and bedroom furniture, some computer equipment, business wardrobe, winter jackets, and other clothing. I estimate the value of my losses to be around ~$7,500. I am likely the least affected as half of my belongings are in Cairo.
Ian Macdonald - LinkedIn Bio 
Freelance video editor and independent filmmaker. Late last year he moved to Toronto to expand his horizons and begin a new chapter of life, searching out opportunities as an artist and professional. Here is a link to Ian's professional work.
The real critical loss for Ian film equipment and work; his livelihood. His equipment is expensive and took many years to accumulate; he will need to replace it in order to continue working. He estimates the value of his losses to be ~$15,000
Michael Thorpe - LinkedIn Bio
Michael is an Urban Planner who now works in Financial Services and grew up in the Toronto area. Outside of working with clients Michael volunteers in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Reservist.
The critical items Michael lost are bedroom furniture, his personal computer and electronics, business wardrobe and his bike. He estimates the value of his losses to be around ~$15,000.
Victor Bogert - LinkedIn Bio
Working in data analytics by day and as a musician/engineer by night, Victor has made Toronto his home. Actively engaged in the local electronic music scene, Victor has plans to start a record label in the near future.
The real critical loss for Victor is the loss of his music and audio equipment and work; his livelihood. His equipment is expensive and took many years to accumulate; he will need to replace it in order to continue working. He estimates the value of his losses to be ~$15,000
How Can You Help?
1. Financial Donations
I think I speak for all of us in that we are truly humbled and overwhelmed by the positive support from friends and family so far. We are so thankful to have everyone's concern, love and support. None of us really naturally feel comfortable asking for help - but many of you all wonderful people asked for a place to donate. Realistically speaking, any financial help does make a huge difference as we start to rebuild - especially when it comes to equipment that we rely on for our livelihoods. We have been advised that the toughest financial time is at the beginning - so we are looking for support to get us over the hump. We definitely do not expect anything from anyone, but if you would like to make a donation please make it on this page. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
2. Donation of Clothes and Household Items
Longer term we may be able to set up a place to receive donations of clothes household items etc... so we do not have to purchase everything new. No one knows where they are living yet - so I will update this section later when we have more of an idea of what to do here.
3. Suggestions on New Places to Live in Toronto
Finally all of us have to find a new place to live so if you have any ideas please share them with us! Thank you all for your love, generosity, understanding and support in this difficult time. Please pass this on to your family and friends, and share it on your social media timelines if you can - it would mean a lot to all of us.
One love from 479 Queen St E.
My name is Graham Macdonald and as many of you have probably heard, on April 26, the apartment my 3 roommates and I were renting was destroyed by a fire that started next door. Thankfully no one was injured in the fire, we are extremely humbled and thankful for that.
Here is a link to some news coverage of the fire.
We are truly devastated as that house, was really special to us and were hoping to live there many years to come. Further, all of our possessions have been lost including some expensive equipment that we use to supplement our livelihoods. Unfortunately, none of us have an tenants insurance and as you can expect it will be quite costly for us all to get back on our feet.  
Who was Affected?
Graham Macdonald - LinkedIn Bio 
Urban Planner and Social Specialist. Moved to Toronto in 2010 and didn't look back. Currently working part of the year in Cairo and an all around jolly good fellow ;).
I lost general household items, living room and bedroom furniture, some computer equipment, business wardrobe, winter jackets, and other clothing. I estimate the value of my losses to be around ~$7,500. I am likely the least affected as half of my belongings are in Cairo.
Ian Macdonald - LinkedIn Bio 
Freelance video editor and independent filmmaker. Late last year he moved to Toronto to expand his horizons and begin a new chapter of life, searching out opportunities as an artist and professional. Here is a link to Ian's professional work.
The real critical loss for Ian film equipment and work; his livelihood. His equipment is expensive and took many years to accumulate; he will need to replace it in order to continue working. He estimates the value of his losses to be ~$15,000
Michael Thorpe - LinkedIn Bio
Michael is an Urban Planner who now works in Financial Services and grew up in the Toronto area. Outside of working with clients Michael volunteers in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Reservist.
The critical items Michael lost are bedroom furniture, his personal computer and electronics, business wardrobe and his bike. He estimates the value of his losses to be around ~$15,000.
Victor Bogert - LinkedIn Bio
Working in data analytics by day and as a musician/engineer by night, Victor has made Toronto his home. Actively engaged in the local electronic music scene, Victor has plans to start a record label in the near future.
The real critical loss for Victor is the loss of his music and audio equipment and work; his livelihood. His equipment is expensive and took many years to accumulate; he will need to replace it in order to continue working. He estimates the value of his losses to be ~$15,000
How Can You Help?
1. Financial Donations
I think I speak for all of us in that we are truly humbled and overwhelmed by the positive support from friends and family so far. We are so thankful to have everyone's concern, love and support. None of us really naturally feel comfortable asking for help - but many of you all wonderful people asked for a place to donate. Realistically speaking, any financial help does make a huge difference as we start to rebuild - especially when it comes to equipment that we rely on for our livelihoods. We have been advised that the toughest financial time is at the beginning - so we are looking for support to get us over the hump. We definitely do not expect anything from anyone, but if you would like to make a donation please make it on this page. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
2. Donation of Clothes and Household Items
Longer term we may be able to set up a place to receive donations of clothes household items etc... so we do not have to purchase everything new. No one knows where they are living yet - so I will update this section later when we have more of an idea of what to do here.
3. Suggestions on New Places to Live in Toronto
Finally all of us have to find a new place to live so if you have any ideas please share them with us! Thank you all for your love, generosity, understanding and support in this difficult time. Please pass this on to your family and friends, and share it on your social media timelines if you can - it would mean a lot to all of us.
One love from 479 Queen St E.
Fundraising team (4)
Graham Macdonald
Organizer
Raised $4,200 from 30 donations
Toronto, ON
Victor Bogert
Team member
Raised $1,500 from 17 donations
Ian Macdonald
Team member
Raised $945 from 5 donations
Michael Thorpe
Team member
Raised $265 from 5 donations
This team raised $3,700 from 35 other donations.
