As most of you know, last Wednesday a fire tore through Chinatown, destroying four well-loved businesses and leaving several people homeless. Neigbourhood favourites like The Daily Grind Café, Shiraz Market, Middle Eastern Bakery, and A Dark Cloud Tattoo Shop are no more. As far as I've read there were no reported injuries, but some of the residents tragically lost their pets in the fire. I'm heartbroken for them.
Last night I walked by the site of the fire on the corner of Somerset at Percy, and all that remains is a heap of rubble: charred bricks and twisted metal. The smell of smoke still hangs in the air and the streetscape feels completely different.
Image courtesy of Catherine McKenney, city councillor for Somerset Ward
But one of the things I love most about the Ottawa community is how quickly people spring into action to help others. The folks at Bustedlimb got to work right away and immediately started putting together a fundraiser for the victims, called One Big Benefit. Here's what you need to know:
THE DEETS
WHAT: One Big Benefit (#onebigbenefit)
WHERE: Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St.
WHEN: Thursday November 5, 2015, 8:00pm - 2:00am
WHY: Fundrasier to support victims of the Somerset Fire
COVER: Pay what you can
The night will include local DJs, live comedy, and some pretty fantastic raffle prizes, with all proceeds going directly to A Dark Cloud, Middle Eastern Bakery, Shiraz Market, The Daily Grind, and the former residents of the apartments destroyed in the blaze. Which brings me to my next point: I need your help!
OPEN CALL FOR DONATION ITEMS
To all the Ottawa businesses I know and love: do you have goods or gift certificates you can donate for the fundraising raffle at One Big Benefit?
I'm helping the event organizers gather items so we can raise as much money as possible, and please shoot me a note if you'd like to get involved. Tweet me, DM me, PM me, Facebook me, email me; I'm not fussy. I'd love to hear from you any way you like:
via email: amyin613@gmail.com
via twitter: twitter.com/amyin613
via instagram: instagram.com/amyin613
via facebook: facebook.com/amyin613
A *massive* thank you to the wonderful people at Share Freehouse, Kinki Lounge Kitchen, Upward Dog Yoga, Recalibrate Nutrition, and JenKB Jewelry who have already stepped up and donated some incredible items. You folks are incredible and I can't thank you enough. <3
Image couresty Ottawa Showbox