car destroyed by fire
Donation protected
On November 27, our car, a 12 year old Ford Focus wagon was destroyed by fire. We were driving back from our church when people began yelling and gesturing. Smoke began to pour out of the hood, then flame which increased rapidly. We both got out less than ten seconds before the fire engulfed the front seat.
The car had never been in an accident and had just undergone a routine oil change not quite a month ago. The car was insured but being as old as it is, we don't expect much.
I and my wife are both in our early sixties (but not yet eligible for Canada Pension) and both partially disabled. We are self-employed and not eligible fo unemployment insurance. (I work as a movie extra, she's a seamstress)
I was hospitalized for an extreme abdominal abcess last year (which came very close to killing me) and lost 45 lbs. I lost a lot of work and it was almost 6 months before I was able to do any significant work at all. December is the slow season in the industry here and due to my age, I don't get as much work as I used to.
The hospitalization and recovery took almost all my savings. I keep pace with bills and rent, but replacing the car is not possible.
Unfortunately, we need it. Some film locations can't be accessed by public transit (and transit often doesn't run at the times I need to get anywhere or return home. It's not uncommon to have calls start at 6AM and I've often wrapped after 4 or 5AM) and Mary needs the car for weekly shopping and going to fabric stores for her profession.
Unfortunately we have no relatives who can help us. Both parents are long dead and her sister is not in a position to help. I myself was an only child.
I am very embarassed to ask for this help - I have always managed to meet my obligations. But this is beyond our ability. Naturally, we are looking for a dependable used vehicle. Never had anything else. But unfortunately, a car is necessary to both our jobs. We need a replacement vehicle as soon as possible. If I start losing work, it will compromise the rent and bills. And due to the fact that we are both self-employed in what are considered uneven professions - no guaranteed work on a regular basis - we can't get a bank loan. Were this possible, I wouldn't be asking for assistance.
We would be very grateful for any assistance you can provide.
Thank you all and God bless.
Braun McAsh
The car had never been in an accident and had just undergone a routine oil change not quite a month ago. The car was insured but being as old as it is, we don't expect much.
I and my wife are both in our early sixties (but not yet eligible for Canada Pension) and both partially disabled. We are self-employed and not eligible fo unemployment insurance. (I work as a movie extra, she's a seamstress)
I was hospitalized for an extreme abdominal abcess last year (which came very close to killing me) and lost 45 lbs. I lost a lot of work and it was almost 6 months before I was able to do any significant work at all. December is the slow season in the industry here and due to my age, I don't get as much work as I used to.
The hospitalization and recovery took almost all my savings. I keep pace with bills and rent, but replacing the car is not possible.
Unfortunately, we need it. Some film locations can't be accessed by public transit (and transit often doesn't run at the times I need to get anywhere or return home. It's not uncommon to have calls start at 6AM and I've often wrapped after 4 or 5AM) and Mary needs the car for weekly shopping and going to fabric stores for her profession.
Unfortunately we have no relatives who can help us. Both parents are long dead and her sister is not in a position to help. I myself was an only child.
I am very embarassed to ask for this help - I have always managed to meet my obligations. But this is beyond our ability. Naturally, we are looking for a dependable used vehicle. Never had anything else. But unfortunately, a car is necessary to both our jobs. We need a replacement vehicle as soon as possible. If I start losing work, it will compromise the rent and bills. And due to the fact that we are both self-employed in what are considered uneven professions - no guaranteed work on a regular basis - we can't get a bank loan. Were this possible, I wouldn't be asking for assistance.
We would be very grateful for any assistance you can provide.
Thank you all and God bless.
Braun McAsh
Organizer
F Braun McAsh
Organizer
Maple Ridge, BC