My name is Katarina. My goal is to raise enough money to ensure the well being of my really good friend, Ken Buller.

A little back story on the relationship and importance to me Ken has. Ken and I have known one another for nearing a decade now. We share similar interests, and really enjoy the simplicities in life. From admiring local art, feeling the excitement a rock can bring to the soul and mind, or even sharing that “stop and smell the flowers” part of life in our garden, Ken really is such an amazing person. Like a grandfather to me, he has always been there for me, cared about my family and my own well being. Ken means so much to me and the friendship we share is one like no other. We love our cats, he shares photos and stories with me about our cats and he’s always been here for me to help care for my cats as his own.

How did Ken and I meet? Ken used to be my superintendent. We both live in the same apartment building, Ken has been here 20+yrs and myself now almost ten years. This apartment building, is our home. The people here, are our family. Some of the other tenants have been here 20+ years as well. We live quietly, respectfully, and most of all, peacefully, in our little piece of Toronto. The tenants in this building are kind, and warm hearted people. We’ve taken care of this building and made it our own. The garden on the side, flowers and herbs have been planted by the hands of this small little community of people in this building. Nestled in this beautiful neighborhood of Davisville, Toronto, we appreciate our neighbors and extended community who have showed support for the people in this building. The only thing, now, we’ve been served evictions for literally just existing.

In October 2021, our building had been inherited by a woman named Sarah Deyong. This is the sister of Louis Deyong, who had originally been our landlord, the owner of the building, for many many years. Louis is kind hearted, fair, and respectful. Unfortunately their family had experienced a passing of a family member whose will stated that Sarah took full ownership of the building. Upon the change over of ownership, she almost immediately became hostile with the tenants of the building, making unreasonable demands, serving incorrect paperwork, hiding behind email signatures and ripping away any bit of simplistic enjoyment to be had at 299 Forman Avenue. Within a few months, tenants began receiving evictions one by one. Court cases are still being battled to this day and for many more to come. No official reasoning or understanding from Sarah, whatsoever.

The worst part is, some of the people in this building, have been here so long, this is all they have. Their home. Their safety. Their assurance and warmth in times of need. This building is so much more than just bricks and mortar. This building is alive with the support of an army, but the sad part is, only so much can be done by a small group of people. Ken, along with two other tenants were served evictions for city ordered work to be done on the entrances of their apartment units, for fire safety code. We’ve been waiting months for the hearing to determine the fates of those affected by the ordered work. Now that day had come and too soon it was. The evictions were passed and three tenants, people, innocent people, are losing their homes. There is no evidence to show that they will be allowed to move back in. There’s no certainty that if they are allowed to move back in, their price of living and the ability to keep a roof over their heads will be the same as before. There’s no guarantee that Sarah will ensure the well being of those who are being effected during the time the work is being done.

I come to gofundme today, in hopes we can have financial help for Ken, who’s losing his home, his community, and most importantly, his sense of safety and well being, so he can have this all promised back to him again. I’m hoping to give the landlord Sarah Deyong, an offer to ensure she guarantees Ken can move back into his unit once the work is complete. In the meantime, the funds to keep a roof over his head, and food in his stomach during these times. I live in a bachelor unit with my partner, Patrick. We unfortunately don’t have the means to have Ken live with us until the matter is settled and especially have nothing to offer Sarah to ensure Ken’s safety.

The deadline for his official eviction is at the end of November so I’m praying for a miracle to happen in hopes we raise enough in the short time we have. Please share with friends and family, share our story, Google our experience with Sarah. We’ve been through quite the ride, and we’re all here fighting for our home to be peaceful again. We thank you so much for your help and support.