Help Karen rebuild her life after devastating fire
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Nicole Doiron, and I am the daughter of Karen Volpe. Many of you know my mom for her incredible kindness and generosity. She has always been there to lend a hand to those in need, volunteering with organizations like Start Me Up and actively participating in our community.
Today, I’m reaching out to ask for your support in helping my mom during a difficult time. Early on the morning of Sunday, October 27th, a devastating fire broke out in her apartment building, starting in a neighbor's home across the hall. The flames spread quickly, and two brave women knocked on my mom’s door to help her evacuate. When she opened it, she was met with a rush of thick smoke, and in that moment of fear, she instinctively closed the door. Thankfully, those two women wouldn’t leave until they knew she was safe.
My mom is haunted by the thought that she almost didn’t make it out. Tragically, she lost her beloved cat of 14 years to smoke inhalation and is heartbroken over this loss. The trauma of that night has left her with nightmares, and she hasn't yet been able to return to her apartment to retrieve any of her belongings. The fire department has deemed the building unsafe, leaving her with nothing but the clothes on her back.
Currently, she is staying with me at my Home. My sisters and I have managed to provide her with a bed, some bedding, slippers, pajamas, and towels. But she is starting over from scratch, she lost everything.
The funds will go towards new clothes, warm winter coat, boots, and essential furniture like a couch, television, and lamps. As well as food, toiletries and personal hygiene products.
In addition to this, we would love to honor her late cat by finding a way to keep his memory close. The Humane Society has cremated Mr. Kitty, but we hope to get some ashes in a necklace for her, as this would mean so much to her.
Any support you can offer—whether it’s donations or simply sharing this message—would be deeply appreciated and would make a significant difference in my mom’s journey to rebuild her life. Thank you for your kindness and for being the wonderful community that you are.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nicole Doiron
Organizer
Nicole Doiron
Organizer
Thorold, ON