Joanna, Rick & Family Fire GoFundMe

https://www.mississauga.com/news-story/9019020--serious-condition-woman-badly-injured-in-fire-near-square-one-in-mississauga/ 

Thank you everyone for taking time to view this page. Many of you have asked how you can help and hopefully this page can assist the family get though this horrible event.

On the morning of Tuesday November 6th 2018 I was going into the shower around 10am when I heard the building fire alarm going off. From living in a building, one can hear the monthly alarm testing and never think anything of it. This morning was different. By the time I got out of the shower the alarm was still going off with no announcement made yet by security. Something was wrong. Within 5 minutes,  six different residents  sent me videos of thick black smoke coming out of the building. An announcement was made then by a security guard with a trembling/out of breath voice informing  residents of a fire on the 29th floor.

Within ten minutes 17 fire trucks were onsite to attend a full blown fire on the 29th floor. After living in the building for almost 8 years, I have had the opportunity to know most residents on a first name basis and realized this is happening to a neighbour and also a friend.

This friend was Joanna. Joanna was stuck on condo balcony on 29th floor with flames and black smoke shouting out. She was rescued by Mississauga Fire Department and transported to hospital for smoke inhalation and has since been released.

Joanna has lived in the building from day 1 with her husband Rick and now two young girls, Maia 3 years old and Sophie 1 year old. 

After 3 days of investigation the Ontario Fire Investigators have cleared the unit and allowed management to enter the unit. The sight was pure devastation. There is nothing left. With no time to rescue any personal belongings the family has lost many memories and left with very few salvageable items to start over with.

Early estimations of $400k+ in damages have been reported while insurance covers the replacement of finishing's it does not cover many out of pocket expenses in the short and long term for the family. The insurance will only over a max living expense and family will be out of residence for 4-5+ months living in temporary housing.

With the holiday season upon us the family has gone though a horrific time.  Joanna, Rick and girls will experience more difficult times ahead and would love to show the two young girls a wonderful holiday and Christmas even thought this tragic event has taken place.

Please don't take that roof over your head for granted and please donate whatever you feel comfortable with to help this beautiful family during this difficult time.

Thank you
- Darcy Butler (Friend and neighbour of Joanna, Rick, Maia and Sophie)