We never imagined we would have to write something like this for one of our very best friends.

On Friday, August 7, 2026, our dear friends, the Gaudiuso family, lost their home of 19 years, along with everything they owned, in the devastating wildfire in Summerland, BC.

There was no time to prepare. They had no evacuation notice. They had to leave within minutes, taking only what they could carry and the clothes they were wearing. Their home, their belongings, photographs, memories, beloved family members ashes, and the things that made their house a home are now gone.

Thankfully, they were able to get their beloved dog, Cola, to safety and we are incredibly grateful that their family and Cola are safe, but the reality of what they have lost is heartbreaking.

Their son, Tavian, had just brought all of his belongings home from university in the spring. In just a couple of weeks, he is supposed to return to University of Victoria to complete his final year of mechanical engineering. He now has none of the clothing, personal belongings, school supplies, or everyday necessities he needs to return to university.

This family is now facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up - finding a place to live, replacing clothing and basic necessities, and helping their son get what he needs to return to university and finish his degree.

Luckily for their daughter Nilah, moved out with her boyfriend Brock in the spring and are currently living in Vancouver. She had taken many of her valuable and important belongings then. However, her special baby items and the irreplaceable pieces of her childhood and family history are also gone.

Kyla has a home based cake business, All You Need Is Love And A Cupcake. Cake decorating has been her passion and creative outlet, bringing joy to so many people. It will be sometime before she is able to return to it, but we hope her customers won’t forget her and will be there to support her when she’s ready to begin again.

The family never imagined they would find themselves in this position, and asking for help is not something that comes easily to them. That is why we are reaching out to their family, friends, community, and anyone who may be able to help.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. Funds raised will go directly toward immediate living expenses, clothing, personal necessities, replacing lost belongings, and helping their son prepare to return to UVic.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this GoFundMe is also incredibly helpful and deeply appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story, for keeping this family in your thoughts, and for helping them begin to rebuild after such an unimaginable loss.

For those that wish to reach or contact Kyla and Jeff directly, please send me a message and I can forward you their email address.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Alex, Tamara and Jalaine / Family and Friends