Margot Boon's Devastating Fire
Donation protected
On Friday May 3, 2019 our dear friend Margot Boon lost almost everything in a devastating fire in her apartment. Margot escaped with her precious dog Maddie and left everything behind to be consumed by flame or destroyed by black water*. Let’s help this wonderful woman start to rebuild her life - yet again.
MARGOT’S STORY
Margot is a survivor in many ways. Legally blind, Margot has, over the past 10 years alone, endured a double mastectomy, partial removal of a brain tumour (with more surgery ahead), which has left her balance and mobility impaired. Margot and Maddie exist on a small disability pension, most of which goes to pay for her apartment in an accessible building in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Despite all of these setbacks, Margot remains a kind, giving soul who loves her dog and her friends. Fiercely independent, Margot has managed to scrimp and save over the last 20 years to decorate her home so that she is comfortable, and to stock a small pantry in case of emergency (and Margot has experienced those). Margot did not have the income for extras, such as tenant insurance. Let’s show her that her faith in people is not amiss.
THE FIRE
Still under investigation for the exact cause of the fire, we know it started in the bedroom, which contained all of her clothing, precious memorabilia of her mother, and important papers. All are lost.
The sprinkler system was activated, and emergency services dispatched. Margot was, once all evidence of spark was extinguished, escorted by the fire department to view the damage. They explained to her that *black water was the term used for the water remaining after the fire was extinguished. It is potentially toxic and therefore Margot was not able to remain and determine if anything was salvageable. Her neighbour, who accompanied her, was able to take some photographs - one of which is attached to this story.
Margot is currently housed temporarily by the organization that owns the building. A restoration crew has removed all of the items from the apartment and placed them in a special recovery facility to determine what is salvageable, but they have already explained to Margot that anything made of fabric, or anything electronic, has been destroyed. There is no safe food. It is uncertain at this point if any wooden furniture can be saved. In other words - what Margot has left in the world is the nightgown she escaped in, her beloved pup, and her iPad.
CURRENT NEED
I am starting this Go Fund Me page because when Margot is allowed back in her apartment in June, she won’t even have toilet paper. She must start from absolute zero. On her own. There is no way she can do this without our help. Her medical needs require specific items. Even though some items can be purchased second hand, they are still not free. Margot needs linens, clothing, food, household goods, furniture…the list goes on.
I am setting the goal for this Go Fund Me at $5,000 which will go a long way to help Margot with her basic food, clothing, and shelter needs. In an expensive area like southern Ontario, this money won’t go far….but it is a good and generous start.
Please. If you know Margot, you know that she would give you the shirt off her back (if she had one). You know that Margot is the person you can call in the middle of the night if you need someone to talk with. Please. If you know what its like (or more importantly - can’t imagine what its like) to have to start over from scratch…please donate what you can. Let’s help our dear friend be comfortable and feel safe. Please.
Bless you.
MARGOT’S STORY
Margot is a survivor in many ways. Legally blind, Margot has, over the past 10 years alone, endured a double mastectomy, partial removal of a brain tumour (with more surgery ahead), which has left her balance and mobility impaired. Margot and Maddie exist on a small disability pension, most of which goes to pay for her apartment in an accessible building in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Despite all of these setbacks, Margot remains a kind, giving soul who loves her dog and her friends. Fiercely independent, Margot has managed to scrimp and save over the last 20 years to decorate her home so that she is comfortable, and to stock a small pantry in case of emergency (and Margot has experienced those). Margot did not have the income for extras, such as tenant insurance. Let’s show her that her faith in people is not amiss.
THE FIRE
Still under investigation for the exact cause of the fire, we know it started in the bedroom, which contained all of her clothing, precious memorabilia of her mother, and important papers. All are lost.
The sprinkler system was activated, and emergency services dispatched. Margot was, once all evidence of spark was extinguished, escorted by the fire department to view the damage. They explained to her that *black water was the term used for the water remaining after the fire was extinguished. It is potentially toxic and therefore Margot was not able to remain and determine if anything was salvageable. Her neighbour, who accompanied her, was able to take some photographs - one of which is attached to this story.
Margot is currently housed temporarily by the organization that owns the building. A restoration crew has removed all of the items from the apartment and placed them in a special recovery facility to determine what is salvageable, but they have already explained to Margot that anything made of fabric, or anything electronic, has been destroyed. There is no safe food. It is uncertain at this point if any wooden furniture can be saved. In other words - what Margot has left in the world is the nightgown she escaped in, her beloved pup, and her iPad.
CURRENT NEED
I am starting this Go Fund Me page because when Margot is allowed back in her apartment in June, she won’t even have toilet paper. She must start from absolute zero. On her own. There is no way she can do this without our help. Her medical needs require specific items. Even though some items can be purchased second hand, they are still not free. Margot needs linens, clothing, food, household goods, furniture…the list goes on.
I am setting the goal for this Go Fund Me at $5,000 which will go a long way to help Margot with her basic food, clothing, and shelter needs. In an expensive area like southern Ontario, this money won’t go far….but it is a good and generous start.
Please. If you know Margot, you know that she would give you the shirt off her back (if she had one). You know that Margot is the person you can call in the middle of the night if you need someone to talk with. Please. If you know what its like (or more importantly - can’t imagine what its like) to have to start over from scratch…please donate what you can. Let’s help our dear friend be comfortable and feel safe. Please.
Bless you.
Organizer
Nancy Flood
Organizer
Toronto, ON
