Hello,

On October 25th, 2021, the unthinkable happened to Rosalinda Bland, age 71. She hurriedly made her way out of her home of 26 years, for the last time. A large, early morning fire, had engulfed her neighbour’s apartment.

Rosalinda is a woman, who quietly lived alone and kept to herself. She immigrated to Canada decades ago, from her native Philippines and settled in Victoria. She has no family or friends and lives an independent life. She is able bodied and takes care of herself. But this has rocked her to the core.

Rosalinda was given a hotel room by the Red Cross as an immediate measure. She has the room until Monday, November 1st but has paid out of her meagre

savings, another week in that hotel, in the fear she will become homeless. She is reeling from the dire circumstance she finds herself in.

Rosalinda has been given 48 hours to clear her apartment out this weekend. A neighbour and I have offered to help her, it’s a daunting task for anyone in this situation and her age must be considered. It’s a lot to face at her age, overwhelming really! She is on her own, in a city with that is having a well known affordable housing crisis. After twenty six years in the same rental, she is now faced with a rental scene that has very few options and exorbitant rents! She is connecting with local housing agencies and I’m hopeful they can help her find a home. That said, her losses are still monumental.

Rosalinda wants desperately to stay in her neighbourhood of James Bay but that may not be feasible. She has lost her home, belongings, community and her proximity to everyday staples, making life as a senior, workable which insured her independence. James Bay was perfect for her needs.

I am asking the good people of James Bay, Victoria and beyond, to please help this lovely, elderly lady. These funds will reimburse her life savings for the stay in the hotel, secure an apartment (rent + damage) and replace her clothing, furniture and everyday needs. Please, let’s show her the love that I know exists in this amazing city!

Thank you so very much for your generosity!

Please share this ~ it’s good karma ✌

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/one-dead-after-fire-in-james-bay-apartment-building-4692991

https://www.saanichnews.com/news/victoria-firefighters-on-scene-at-100-block-of-menzies-street/

https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2021/10/victoria-firefighters-battle-apartment-fire-in-james-bay-monday-morning-video/

https://globalnews.ca/news/8324659/one-dead-victoria-apartment-fire/amp/

https://twitter.com/victoriabuzzes/status/1452673235019960320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1452673235019960320%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.victoriabuzz.com%2F2021%2F10%2Fvictoria-firefighters-battle-apartment-fire-in-james-bay-monday-morning-video%2F

Photo credits ~

Victoria Buzz

Harley David Deak

Times Colonist

Adrian Lam