On Monday afternoon, a devastating two-alarm fire tore through a residential building in Burnaby, B.C., leaving one man critically injured and claiming the life of a beloved cat. The fire broke out near Norfolk Street and Esmond Avenue and quickly consumed the unit where Nicole and her partner, John, lived.

John - who's 24th birthday was only the day before - was inside at the time and was rescued by Burnaby firefighters under intense conditions. He was found unconscious and required immediate, life-saving medical intervention before being rushed to Vancouver General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition due to extensive smoke inhalation.

Tragically, their cherished cat, Mac, did not survive the fire. Mac was deeply loved by Nicole and John — he was more than a pet; he was family.

Nicole was not home when the fire broke out, and she has returned to find her entire life turned to ash. With everything destroyed, she is now facing the unimaginable challenge of rebuilding from nothing while supporting John in the ICU and grieving the loss of Mac.

We are raising funds to:

Help cover the cremation and memorial costs for Mac

Support John’s ongoing and critical medical care

Provide Nicole with emergency relief to secure housing, clothing, essentials, and begin the process of starting over

This is a time of immense emotional and financial hardship for Nicole and John. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward helping them navigate the aftermath of this tragedy with dignity, stability, and support.

Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Your kindness and compassion mean more than words can say.