Karen Walker & John Chamberlin Eaton Canyon Fire Relief

Hi, my name is Sarah Snider. I'm helping my friends, Karen Walker and John Chamberlin, whose home was damaged in the Eaton Canyon Fire.

On January 7th, Karen and John, along with their two kids, two other relatives and three dogs, evacuated from Altadena to a friend’s home. As Karen said, “ We have watched those mountains burn for 25 years but this was something much different. It was catastrophic.” 

The next morning they went to see the damage. Miraculously, their beloved home was still standing. When they went in for a closer inspection they discovered a broken window and another blown open. These portals gave entry to smoke, soot and hazardous chemicals. The inside of their home was blanketed with this damaging and toxic ash.

No one can properly prepare financially for a natural disaster. Sure, there is insurance but it is rarely enough as it often excludes coverage for many things. The year prior to the fire, Karen had been recovering from a terrible medical accident when her heart was pierced during a routine surgery. The costs for her care and rehab, combined with the loss of income for John during the 2023 Writers Strike put them in a precarious financial position from which they were only beginning to recover.

Due to Karen’s medical issues and their daughter’s severe allergies they expect they will need extensive testing for hazardous chemicals on their property. Any items inside their home which cannot be cleaned will have to be discarded and replaced. There are also concerns that contaminants will be circulating in the air for sometime and could compromise Karen’s and their daughter’s health going forward.

Currently, they are living in a rental unit. Karen and John both worked from home. They do not know the full damage done to their home studios and their equipment.

Understanding the devastation so many of their friends and neighbours have experienced with the total loss of their homes, Karen, John and their kids have been redirecting any offers of financial help to others. They have been trying to find their friends resources, furniture, replacement items, instruments and housing. They know they are among the "lucky" ones and have not wanted to reach out for help. However, it has finally become apparent to them that they will need help paying for numerous costs not covered by insurance or other aid. 

Please, if you are able, make a donation to help my friends stay safe, keep their home and return safely to Altadena in the future

Thanks in advance to everyone helping with this fundraiser.

Sincerely,

Sarah Snider

Toronto, ON