Hoping to rebuy the camera equipment that was stolen from me.

My name is Joseph Lima and I've been working as a photographer for about 3.5 years. Much of my experience as a photographer has come from volunteering my time to FRAG as the head of media and main photographer for just about all of the events. At this point I've photographed 30+ FRAG events for free and offered headshots to teams at a heavily discounted price because I love it and being able to use a skillset I've developed for the community has been extremely fun and fulfilling.

Just this past weekend after I finished working our FRAG St. Clair event the car we were using to transport staff from our airbnb to the venue was broken into overnight and ALL of my camera equipment was stolen from it. Total I lost somewhere between 12 and 18 thousand USD worth of gear from what I can remember bringing with me. Not only was it expensive, but it was literally everything I need to continue working as a photographer.

Both of my camera bodies, all 4 of my lenses, my spiderholster belt/clips/mounts, all my batteries, some of my SD card, my chargers, an on and off camera flash, my Ipad + apple pencil, a tripod, a couple flash triggers, house/car keys, rayban sunglasses, and my passport. There are lots of other smaller misc. items like cables, cleaning tools, converters, etc. that were also taken.

Every event I've ever worked, I've always felt like my equipment was safe and never at risk. I've gotten too comfortable working within the NA community and everyone being so respectful of me and my equipment and now I've paid the price of not taking every precaution I can.

I am self-employed as a freelance photographer outside of what I do for FRAG and recently I've been lucky enough to have that be my full-time job in between events. Much of the work I've been able to get is possible because of the portfolio I've built through volunteering at FRAG events photographing the NA CS community, but even though I'm lucky to be able to do it full time, I'm not lucky enough to be in a finacial position where I can afford to lose and rebuy everything again. Without my equipment I can't do the job I love.

Many people have offered support and have asked me to create this gofundme so they can help me recover what was taken from me, so even though I always hate asking other people for help, especially financially, today I think I don't have a choice.

And for anyone who is willing to help, don't worry... In the future any equipment I'm able to rebuy with your help will be sleeping in the bed with me.

Thank you in advance to anyone who is willing to help. You have no idea how much it means to me that so many people are so willing to help me.