Hey everyone!

My name is Desiree Costello. I am the woman who was involved in the hate crime attack that took place on Saturday February 21st 2026 at 8:30 pm on the corner of Augusta st and Hughson st in Hamilton, ON.

This attack was completely random and unprovoked. I did not know either of the men who approached me. When the younger man made the first initiated physical contact to my head, he broke my glasses off my face. Those glasses were my only pair and very expensive. The police dept had to take them for evidence, so I wont be getting them back. I unfortunately do not have benefits or extra funds to help cover the cost to replace them.

Due to the injuries, trauma, and lack of vision due to my glasses being broken, ive been forced to take time off from work. This directly impacts my income for the month.

Im making this gofundme in hopes to recover some of the wages I will be loosing. To help cover the cost to replace my glasses so I can see again, and to help cover legal fees.

This attack has deeply impacted my mental health. I feared for my life, and I'm so very thankful to be alive and to have survived this attack. Any little bit helps, and I will be so very thankful for your help.

Im experiencing a lot of ptsd from this, and Im not sure when ill be able to get back to work.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit this page, and for your support.

Women and Lgbtq+ rights MATTER and hate crimes WILL NOT be tolerated!