For Simon, in memory of Sandy De Almeida

We are now over two months away from the suicide of our dear friend Sandy.

Sandy's family of origin has accessed the original GoFundMe organized by Sandy's friend Michael, and they removed everything of financial value from her apartment. We hope this material compensation helps them with their grief.

As her queer family, it has been left to us to raise funds for her dog Simon's care. He is seven years old and requires extensive dental work and training in basic things like going for walks and relieving himself outdoors. He may never get to a healthy place, but he deserves comfort for however long he is alive. We are so grateful to Laura for stepping up at such a difficult time to take Simon in and committing to caring for him for the rest of his life. Laura is a student, and none of the money raised previously was allocated to his care.

In addition to taking care of Simon, we would like to honour Sandy in the neighbourhood she impacted so deeply. Along with funds for Simon's care, we wish to raise enough to purchase a commemorative bench in Trinity Bellwoods Park, with a plaque with her name and a favourite quote on it. We also like the idea of putting a plaque on an existing bench, knowing that she may very well have sat there at some time. The cost of a new bench with a plaque is $2530, and the cost of a plaque on an existing bench is $1753. We would like to additionally raise at least $5000 for Simon's immediate vet bills and needs. Any funds raised above the goal of $7500 would be given toward's Simon's future care.

We know that many of you donated generously to the original GoFundMe organized by Michael on behalf of Sandy's family of origin. Now we must ask for donations again to take care of Sandy's sweet Simon, and build a public memorial suitable to her legacy. She deserves a place where her friends can sit and remember her, where we might imagine sharing a smoke and a conversation with our friend Sandy again.

Please donate if you can, and pass this on. If sharing this is all you can do, this is also deeply appreciated.