The devastation after a lightning storm

Dear friends and neighbours – On the evening of July 20, 2023, you might have felt, seen or heard the devastation caused by a powerful bolt of lightning striking a tree near the intersection of Jane and Ardagh. It hit an old oak tree that fell onto two buildings - as seen in this clip on CityNews. One of them is the residence that our friend, Madeleine, and her family of four called home for 16 years.

The damage caused to the building was so severe that the family, along with the other tenants of the building, had to evacuate immediately. The building was deemed unsafe and they had mere minutes to collect only essential belongings. They left not knowing when and if they could return.

In the days that followed the storm, rain would continue to fall through the open hole in the roof. It was several weeks before they were allowed to re-enter the building to retrieve their belongings. Between the rain and extreme heat days, nearly everything has been destroyed by either water or mould. It has been an extremely emotional experience, watching the life they worked hard to build for 16 years, be put in garbage bags destined for the landfill. Essentially almost all their belongings will need to be replaced, making their insurance coverage insufficient. In addition, Madeleine and her family have now received notice that they are being evicted. The family is now forced to face exponentially high market rental prices as they search for a new home.

What they have to face is devastating and it will take an insurmountable effort to rebuild their lives. We know how supportive this community is when asked to step up, so now we are putting out the call to action. Please donate what you can so this family can get back on their feet. The funds collected will be used to purchase items such as furniture, linens, clothing, school supplies, kitchen supplies, books, art materials etc. The family is in great distress and it takes courage to accept help, and they are doing so with grace and dignity.

This family has strong ties in the Bloor West neighbourhood and doesn’t want to uproot their children. Please let us know of any affordable rental units in the area suitable for a family of four. The family hopes to find a way for the children to remain with their friends in the local school. Madeleine and her family are thankful for the community’s support and potential donations to help them get their lives back to normal.

Thank you for your support,

Kelila Fazio and Claire Hicks (friends of the family)