Early on August 14th, a fire broke out on Albert Street in Waterloo and sadly spread to a next-door Sigma Chi house, causing nearly $500,000 in damage and displacing 7 Laurier students. Thankfully, everyone was evacuated safely, but many fled with just the shirts on their backs and could only get a few minor possessions once the blaze was extinguished.

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/university-students-displaced-by-fire-in-waterloo-1.6026823

The house is owned by a non-profit housing corporation working as fast as possible to rebuild, but the process will take several months. There is a chance to potentially partition the undamaged part of the house to give these students a place to live during the Fall term – but all this remains uncertain. In addition, while there is insurance to rebuild from the fire, as is always the case after a fire, there are countless out-of-pocket and re-housing expenses that are not covered by insurance or are not immediately covered as we go through the insurance adjustment process.

We are seeking your support to assist these Laurier students with their immediate needs

We ask that you DONATE as generously as possible. Funds raised will support the seven displaced students and help them find new housing at the last minute, including helping to pay for bridging/interim housing until a more permanent solution can be found. Funds will also support reimbursing residents for personal items that were lost, or costs incurred that are not covered by insurance. Additional funds will help the non-profit corporation provide financial resources to those impacted by the fire and to the local Chapter to help them replace items owned by the Chapter and not insured. Let’s help them rebuild back better!