They rushed out of their warm beds into a cold night and an uncertain future. Many victims of Wednesday's
six-alarm fire on Queen St. W., lost everything they owned, and some had no insurance to fall back on.
Now a trust fund has been established to help them get back on their feet. The money will be used to help house, clothe and feed those now living in temporary shelters or with family members.
Councillor Adam Vaughan helped get the ball rolling. "There has been an outpouring of support to help people affected by the fire, from people in the neighbourhood and across the city," he relates in a statement. "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has offered assistance to these residents in their time of need."
Many local businesses have joined in on the efforts to aid the unfortunate victims of the blaze.
Ciafouti Bakery is packing a healthy lunch for children left homeless.
"
Bathurst
and Queen is literally right down the street, and we all feel that the community needs to pull together and show support for these people," said the bakery's Hanna Jacobs.
Lush on Queen Street
is also putting together care packages for the families affected by the fire, which includes things like shampoo, soap, and even shaving cream.
"Things that we take for granted every day, as common things that are just there to give them a little something special," said the store's Julie Nadalin. "They've lost so much. We're also going to create a little list inside with a little note that says: 'Hey, we love you. You know, please take this from us.' "
The Drake Hotel is opening its doors as well.
"We're going to make available one of our beautiful crash pads, and we're also going to treat them to dinner and breakfast the next day," reveals General Manager Bill Simpson.
Between 30 and 40 apartments have been either damaged or closed off. Some will be completely gutted. Others are severely water damaged. And while businesses are generously donating, Toronto residents are also helping out, opening up their wallets to those who have been displaced by the fire.
The trust account will be open beginning Friday and donations can be made to the "Queen Street Fire Fund" at any Scotiabank branch.
Vaughan hopes to also arrange a place where you can drop off clothing or make other non-cash contributions. That announcement is expected in the coming days.