On the afternoon of November 10, 2020 there was a major apartment fire in Richmond BC. My friend Sally and her son got out just in the nick of time with only the clothes on their backs. Unfortunately, their cat could not be found at the time of the building evacuation but was later carried out by a fireman. Sally would like to thank the Richmond Fire Department for their heroic efforts to try to save Bootsie however she later succumb to trauma and smoke inhalation.

Sally is an elderly retiree with many medical problems including arthritis, deteriorating disc disease and lower lumbar scoliosis. She is in constant pain and uses a walker for mobility. Sally is currently under care through the VGH Spinal Clinic and is awaiting further treatment (on a long waiting list due to Covid) to alleviate her persistent ongoing pain.

Her son is special needs on a disability benefit and this disastrous incident caused him to suffer PTSD, severe anxiety and smoke inhalation which he was hospitalized for on the evening of the fire. They do not have any extended family to fall back on for any kind of support.

They have lost everything in their home including identification, important documents, family photos, artwork, heirlooms plus all furnishings and clothing. Since the initial fire incident Sally and her son have been on a rollercoaster ride especially after learning that two additional fires occurred in the same apartment building since their evacuation. All 3 fires happened within a 9 day period. This is very unsettling and has added to their already high levels of anxiety and stress.

Their lives have been completely uprooted and they are currently homeless. Any donations to help get their lives back to some sense of normalcy would be very much appreciated.