Hi there! My name is Wes Mathews, and I'm fundraising for (and on behalf of) Nick Castiglia, Mark Holst and the entire staff of Gracie Barra Barrhaven.

This terrific family space was horrifically vandalized and suffered extensive damages due to a cowardly act of targeted arson the week of May 1st, 2023.

Words cannot describe what the damage/stress sustained has caused, as well as the disruption of the daily operations of both of these facilities. Both of the businesses have (and operate with) business insurance, so most of the costs associated with this malicious act are covered. The unfortunate side of it all is that there is no business interruption insurance for such instances as this.

Both Mark and Nick are outstanding, classy citizens, and business owners, the bills are piling up, rent will soon be due, the staff's wages are due soon, on top of the monthly costs that come with owning a martial arts studio. All the funds raised will go towards all of the aforementioned issues helping them front the costs until they are up and running again.

As a martial artist, friend, and business owner I know how important getting the doors opened again is to both Mark and Nick, but I also know how important it is to get all of their staff paid and keep their income coming in.

The interruption to their businesses is very stressful, and providing them with some financial support/relief raised through this campaign will be used to pay their staff until they are back up and running, helping them lessen the burden of this untimely and cowardly act.

Sharing this with your family and friends would help out tremendously and I would like to thank you kindly for your time and consideration.

Kindest regards,

Wes Mathews