Help Kat and Egor Rebuild After Fire

On Saturday June 14th at around 3pm, Kat and Egor’s top-floor apartment on the corner of Notre-Dame St. West and Rose-de-Lima St. was destroyed in a fire. The blaze was declared a five-alarm alert; “one of the highest levels in the city’s emergency response system, [which] indicates a major incident requiring significant resources”, according to The Montreal Gazette.

Kat is my friend from college. Principled and steadfast, I have every reason to believe she and Egor will weather this tragedy with dignity, feeling everything that comes up without shame and finding the solutions they need. But they are still human, and they need support.

After spending the first years of their relationship long-distance, Kat and Egor were finally starting the life they had dreamed about—moving in together in Montreal and creating a home. They had only been in their new apartment for two weeks when the fire took everything. On June 24th, instead of celebrating their third anniversary in their new home, they found themselves marking the milestone in an Airbnb, grateful to be safe but heartbroken over the loss of what was supposed to be the beginning of their next chapter.

Thankfully, they’ve managed to secure a new apartment for July 1st. But while they may have a roof over their heads, they’re essentially starting from scratch. Every piece of furniture, every appliance, every daily essential needs to be replaced. All of this comes while Egor continues to work and attend school, and Kat continues her search for french classes and a new job.

They’re hopeful that insurance will provide some relief, but the process is slow and uncertain, with a maximum payout of $10,000—far less than the value of what they’ve lost. That’s why reaching out for help has become necessary.

Any and all support—whether financial, emotional, or simply sharing their story—means more than words can express. Your generosity can help them regain a sense of stability, hope, and comfort in the wake of such an unexpected loss. Thank you for any kindness you’re able to extend during this incredibly difficult time.

More information below:

1. The Montreal Gazette

2. The Montreal Gazette