Hi all,

My good friend Katya grew up in Altadena, where her family lives. In the devastating fires that are sweeping LA this week, her whole community of Altadena has burnt down. Local schools, neighbour's homes, community hubs and her own family home where they all grew up. Fire and rescue have done an amazing job at evacuating families but it does mean that whilst Katya, her mum and animals are thankfully safe they have left behind everything they own. All family memories are gone.

Katya is a teacher committed to social justice and has spent so much of her career working with disadvantaged communities. Her mum is a lecturer at the local University. Both are such selfless humans who would never ask for help. But as I know many of us in the UK want to help and don't know how I have set up this gofundme as a way to donate to help Katya's family get on their feet again as they truly only have the clothes on their back and each other.

Both Katya and her mum are fully aware there are so many people suffering due to the fires and also want to help the many community projects in the area to support vulnerable people and stray animals too. Supporting their family will also mean supporting their local community and local efforts in the area too.

If you can make a donation, no matter how small, it would be hugely appreciated!

George (on behalf of Katz and her grief-stricken family at this tough time) xxx