HELP RAFAT FAMILY RECOVER FROM HOUSE FIRE!

Hi, my name is Sufi. I am a queer, trans, first-generation Canadian Iranian living in Surrey, BC. On January 6, 2025, my family home was severely damaged in a kitchen fire. Faulty smoke detectors failed to alert us, and my elderly grandmother with mobility issues, my aunt with debilitating health conditions, my sister, and I were forced to evacuate.

Thankfully, we all made it out safely, including our two cats, thanks to a neighbor who spotted the fire. However, the damage to our home has left us displaced and unable to work throughout January.

The Situation

The fire destroyed our kitchen, appliances, medication, and much of our home’s interior. Toxic fire soot has contaminated everything—our clothes, furniture, and even sealed belongings in drawers and closets.

Unfortunately, our townhouse strata insurance only covers external damages, leaving us to cover all internal repairs and replacements ourselves. We’ve applied for government aid, but we do not qualify for crisis grants due to our financial situation.

We’ve been doing everything we can—calling every fire restoration company, seeking financial support, and rallying community help—but professional quotes for restoration are as high as $100,000. We simply cannot afford this.

What We Need

Through the generosity of friends and community members, we've already raised $10,000, which helped us cover essential cleaning, repairs, and junk removal. However, we are still $6,000 short of what we need to stabilize our home and pay essential bills while we recover.

Breakdown of Costs:

Demolition, drywall, electrical work, & construction – $11,000

Repainting the house (to remove toxic soot) – $5,600

Cabinets replacement – $6,850

Appliances, smoke detectors, & light fixtures – $4,000

Junk removal & cleaning supplies – $6,150

City fire department invoice (due Feb 22) – $953

February mortgage & utility bills – $2,000

Laundry costs (cleaning fire-damaged clothing & bedding) – $250

Our total expenses are $34,703, and we've already covered part of it through savings, credit, and generous donations.

How You Can Help

We are exhausted, overwhelmed, and still in crisis recovery. Any donation, big or small, would truly mean the world to us.

If you can’t donate, please share this fundraiser to help us reach those who can.

We are endlessly grateful for the love and kindness we've received so far. Your support will help us rebuild our home, care for my elderly relatives, and return to work after this devastating loss.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

❤️ Sufi & Family