Restore Hope for Two Seniors This Winter

On November 6th, a sudden and devastating fire swept through Camarillo, destroying the home that two elderly individuals had spent decades building. Phoebe Li had taught Chinese folk dance at Thousand Oaks Chinese School from 2009 to 2024 and has dedicated more than 20 years to serving the communities of Conejo Valley and Ventura. Chunching Chen lost the home where he hoped to spend his later years, and with it, the fruit of a lifetime of hard work. As winter approaches, both seniors are physically and emotionally exhausted, lost, and helpless. We are deeply grateful to those who have extended their hands to help them regain hope and get through this crisis.

From Phoebe Li, "I am nearly 70, and though I am retired, I still love life. Experiencing the beauty of life in my own home was a part of my everyday joy. I also participated in various community activities, which allowed me to experience the warmth of different cultures and the joy of interacting with people of all ages. But then, a sudden, fierce wind brought a raging fire, and I watched in horror as it consumed my beautiful home. My heart is broken, and I am speechless with grief. As a retiree, how can I rebuild my home? I know there are many kind-hearted people in this society, and I believe that love still exists in the world. I am hoping for your help to get through this winter, rebuild my home, and restore my life."

From Mr. Chen, "I came to the United States in my 30s, working hard and paying taxes regularly. Now, after over 40 years, I am 73 years old. The home I worked for my entire life was meant to be where I would spend my retirement in peace. After I retired, I grew vegetables, planted flowers, and raised chickens. I was truly grateful to be able to spend my later years here. But then, a sudden, fierce wind brought a devastating fire that destroyed my home and all the work I had put into it. Winter is coming, and my air conditioning is gone, my house is in ruins, and with the wind and rain, I don't know what to do. Everywhere I look, there are signs of destruction and the smoke still lingers. The trees I planted and the chickens I raised are now nothing but ashes. All I want is a warm place to stay this winter, but I feel helpless. Please, help me. Let me have a safe place to live out my remaining days."

11月6日，一场突如其来的大火席卷了Camarillo，烧毁了两位七旬老人辛劳几十年创建的家园。Phoebe Li（李爱捷）老师曾在2009-2024年期间担任千橡中文学校的民族舞老师，为康谷及文图拉社区服务二十多载。Chunching Chen（陈春晴）先生失去了可以安度晚年的家，一生心血付之一炬。寒冬将至，两位老人身心俱疲，茫然无助。感谢大家施以援手，帮助他们重拾希望，渡过难关。

李老师自述：年近70的我虽说已经退休。但我热爱生活。在自己的家园中感受生活的美好，是我生活的一部分。同时也参与不同的社区活动，让我在这大家庭中感受到了不同种族的友好，不同年龄所带来的喜悦。可谁知一场突发的狂风带来了熊熊大火。我眼看着大火燃烧了我美丽的家园心痛不已，欲哭无泪。退休的我该如何去重建家园？我知道在美国社会这个大家庭中有许多善良的人，我知道人间依旧有爱。我期待您的帮助，度过寒冬。重建家园。恢复正常的生活。

陈先生自述：在我30多岁的时候来到美国辛勤的劳动，按时的交税。40多年过去了，现在的我已经73岁了，终身的工作换来了我的养老之处。一个我认为可以安深度命的家。退休后我就种菜，种花，养鸡。很感谢能在美国度过我的余生。谁知道突变的狂风带来了熊熊大火将我的家园和我的劳作烧了。冬天要来了空调烧了，房屋残破不全，在刮风下雨，我能怎么办呢？到处都是烧毁的痕迹和浓烟。室外我种的树，我养的鸡瞬间灰烬，我只想有一个冬天能够取暖的地方。但我已经无能为力了，请您帮帮我。让我有个安生度命的家吧。