My beautiful, brave sister, Jenn, has just survived the unimaginable.  A fire engulfed her home and has left her homeless and without majority of her belongings.   We hear of fires taking away homes and communities often now, but it is hard to comprehend the depth of impact until it hits close to home....literally.  

My Sister has resided in a beautiful farmhouse in Stouffville for the past 4 years and absolutely loved the peace and community it offered.  This home was more than a place to live, it became a safe haven that sheltered her through some dark seasons of her life.  

This isn't the first time Jenn has had to rebuild her life. 

For years, severe mental health struggles stopped her life in its tracks, robbing her of her natural vibrancy and locking her into suffering.  This has continually impacted her ability to maintain steady employment, stable finances, and resources. 

Yet, time and time again, I have watched Jenn crawl out of that darkness and hopelessness.  Step-by-step, she has fought to re-build her life and return to her vibrant, loving self we all know and love. 

Just the week before the fire, Jenn was celebrating with our family.  She proudly shared that over the past year, she had met the majority of her goals.   She found a job she loves (who wouldn't want to be a camp counsellor for dogs!?), started volunteering at an animal rescue centre, secured steady income, joined a new church community, decorated her apartment with creativity and was genuinely loving life.For someone who sometimes struggled to see a vision for her future, it was so exciting to see her progress in creating a life that supports and sustains her and to hear her dreaming of more life goals.  

That is why this housefire hits even harder. 

Not only has she lost her safe haven, her cherished memory boxes, and creative decor, but the life she fought so hard to create has once again been brought to a sudden halt.   

Right now, she is feeling very disoriented and shocked by this sudden, devastating loss.  

I fully believe in Jenn's resiliency.  I know she will move through this hurdle just as she has done before.  But, she doesn't have to do it alone.  This is the moment for community to step in and lift her up, especially since her financial resources are very low. 

How We Can Help Jenn Rebuild

• Daily Living:  Replacing lost food supplies and groceries.
• Wardrobe:  Purchasing everyday clothing, shoes, and toiletries.
• Restoration: Supplies for DIY Restoration and/or Professional cleaning for some of the water and smoke damaged items she managed to retrieve.

• Affordable Housing:  Finding a safe, low-income apartment in a difficult housing market.
• Furnishing her New Home:  Sourcing a bed, mattress, and bedroom furniture, living room furniture, etc
• Setting up House:  Replacing vital kitchenware, appliances, and bathroom supplies.

1. Donate Directly via this FundRazr Page:  Click the donate button on this page to contribute to her rebuilding fund.  FundRazr gives you the option at checkout to cover the website fee yourself, ensuring Jenn receives 100% of your intended donation amount.
2. Donate via Interac E-Transfer:  If you prefer to not use this platform, you can send an e-transfer directly to:  angela.wellnessinthewoods@gmail.com