(To avoid fees, donations can e-transferred to glmccain at gmail dot com - GoFundMe erases if written properly)

My dad (aka the Brentwood Mall Santa for the past 15 years) and my mum are experiencing multiple and compounded brutal financial blows. They have always shown up for family and community and I am hoping we can show up for them now. Any help is appreciated.

In short:

1. Before Christmas, they were given a notice that the rental company that bought their co-op building was doubling their rent.

2. They have to move to a much smaller unit to save money and are planning on moving their home themselves. They are 75 and 79. I would like to hire a mover.

3. Their storage locker at their apartment was broken into and all my dad’s e-bike accessories and batteries were stolen. The company that makes the battery just went out of business, so he needs a whole new bike. Their insurance has a clause that says because the bike accessories weren’t stored with the bike, it isn’t covered. Among the many stolen items (i.e. nostalgic items that are irreplaceable), they also stole one of dad’s Santa outfits. Who steals from Santa?!

More details:

My parent’s co-op was on the chopping block until the Burnaby mayor stepped in to ensure the many older adults who live there wouldn’t lose their home. A rental company bought the building. They upped prices on everything they could (laundry, parking, etc.). My parents have lived there for 17 years. Just before Christmas, the co-op members were given notice of a rise in rates, for my parents it is double what they are currently paying. My dad is 79 and still working – they don’t have the funds to afford the raise. They are moving to another unit that is much smaller. They told me they planned on moving homes themselves. They are both in their 70s and emotionally drained by this all. I really don’t want them to have to do that. I appreciate any support to help with this.

My dad loves his e-bike. The theft of his batteries and accessories is devastating – particularly as Rad Bikes, the maker of his e-bike, just went out of business. He can’t replace the batteries and without the batteries, his bike is not usable. He gives so much to family and community and the bike was 1 of the few things just for him. I am hoping we can raise enough to get him a new e-bike.

My dad gives endlessly to others – family, volunteering, mentoring, and supporting community - I’d love for him to feel the love back. He helps my non-profit provide free low sensory spaces at Pride events around BC, volunteers in multiple positions at his co-op, brings joy as Santa (he’s the Brentwood Mall Santa, president of a Santa group, and he teaches other Santas at the North Pole Santa School). His bike lets him have something for himself and keeps him active. He rides all over Metro Vancouver. Please donate if you can.

Any contribution will make a real difference in helping them recover. We truly appreciate it