Help the Mesenchuk Family Rebuild After Devastating Fire

On what should have been a time of celebration, the unthinkable happened.

Just two weeks after CJ graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing—an achievement we were all so proud to celebrate—her family's world was turned upside down by a devastating house fire. While CJ was working a night shift at the hospital, her partner Chris was home with their two young children, Elizabeth (7) and Robert (10), and his mother, Gail.

Chris heard a popping noise coming from the garage and went to check. He opened the door to find a fire already out of control. Despite his attempt to extinguish it, the flames spread rapidly. Chris quickly got his children and mother out of the house, and then risked his safety to go back inside to rescue their beloved dogs—Holly, their 2-year-old, and two young puppies, Moose and Bear, just 4 months old.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Oshawa Fire Department, the fire was contained to the garage and den. However, the smoke damage spread throughout the house, destroying their belongings and rendering the home uninhabitable.

The Mesenchuk family has lost nearly everything: their clothes, their children's school supplies, shoes, and even their cherished training gear. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a passion they all share, and now their treasured collection of gis is gone. Chris, a devoted father and athlete, also lost priceless memorabilia passed down from his late father—irreplaceable hockey and baseball keepsakes now gone.

While insurance is in progress, it will be a long road ahead. In the meantime, they need the basics: clothing, essentials, school supplies, and gear to help their children return to a sense of normalcy. And though we’ve come together to help with day-to-day necessities, they’ll need much more to rebuild what was lost.

Anyone who knows the Mesenchuk family knows how deeply generous, kind, and selfless they are. They’re the first to lend a hand, offer you a drink, save you a seat by the fire, or drive you home. They’ve given so much to our community—now it’s our turn to give back.

Please consider donating whatever you can to help them through this incredibly difficult time. Every little bit makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this story means the world or reaching out to myself for any other donation would be most helpful [email redacted]

Let’s rally around them and show them they’re not alone.

With love and thanks,

Keshia McCracken