The fire broke out in a ground floor apartment and spread to apartments directly above and beneath.
A bank account has been set up to help Birch Cliff residents struggling to get back on their feet after last month’s apartment fire at 1457 Kingston Road.
The fire broke out in a ground floor unit at 5:30am on Jan. 25, forcing residents to flee as smoke quickly filled the apartments and hallways.
Tenants in three units were burned out of their apartments, including single mother Elaine Gordon and her daughter Tanika, who had to run for their lives and also lost many of their belongings.
Gordon, whose two sons also live with her, has relocated temporarily to a smaller apartment while repairs are being made to their unit.
Elaine and Tanika Gordon outside their apartment at 1457 Kingston Road
Ward 36 Councillor Gary Crawford set up the bank account after meeting with the victims, the landlord and city officials.
“What happened to these residents is unfortunate. My heart goes out to them and I can only imagine the amount of physical and emotional stress they have had to endure as a result of the fire,” said Crawford
How to make a donation
Money contributed to the bank account will be used to help families replace furniture, household goods and clothing that was lost in the fire. It will be shared among those affected and will be held until they are able to relocate.
Cheque or money order donations can be sent to the Toronto Office of Partnerships and made payable to “City of Toronto – 1457 Kingston Road Fire”
Toronto Office of Partnerships c/o: Birchcliff Apartment Fire 55 John Street, Main Floor Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C6
Cheques should include the donor’s full name and address. Tax receipts will be issued, upon request, by the City of Toronto.
