Rebuild the Lee Family's Home and Farm

Hello! Nyob Zoo!

My name is Stephen Petro, and I have created this GoFundMe page for my friends Vang Lee and his mother Ying Vang Lee. I have worked with them on their farm for over 7 years. They are two of the hardest working and kind people I know, feeding community members with the food they grow, and fostering community at the Fondy Farm with myself and other growers.

On August 13, 2024, their house was tragically destroyed in a fire. Ying Vang Lee and her family purchased this house 30 years ago, after she arrived in the United States as a refugee. She worked hard to put a roof over her 7 children over those years and hoped to retire in the same house that she loved and cared. Her neighbors loved her as well and they expressed a feeling of emptiness when they saw the house ruined.

Ying Vang Lee, who will be turning 75 this year, will start a new life again like 30 years ago when she arrived in America. She says, "back then I was young and energetic to work but my age is slowing me down and I don't know if I can rebuild everything again." At this point she doesn't know where her future will lead her; before she knew because she thought she would live and die in the house that she lived in for over 30 years.

The house is unlivable, and the Lee family is uncertain as to what their home insurance will cover.

The Lee's lost personal clothing, appliances, valuables, as well as tools and supplies for their farm—like seeds, greenhouse supplies, weeding tools, irrigation equipment, tilling implements, and others.

They also lost many irreplaceable items, including family photos, traditional Hmong jewelry and clothing passed down by family members, and countless memories.

We have created this GoFundMe page to help the Lee’s rebuild their lives by replacing personal valuables and farm supplies lost in the house fire, and easing their path into a more certain future.

The Lee Family has fed thousands of families in the Milwaukee area over the past 20 years. Please join us in supporting them during their time of need.

Thank you. Ua tsaug.