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Building #21 in the Cottonwood complex, just off North Road, went up in flames last Thursday.   Fifty new Syrian refugees, who arrived in February, were reported to be permanently displaced, as well as temporarily the families in the buildings immediately surrounding them. Fortunately no one was injured.

Of those 50 refugees, several of them were our students and their families that were directly connected to Montgomery Middle.

The displaced families have been temporarily housed at Simon Fraser University but must be out by Friday.   On Thursday, those who have a home to go back to have been given permission to return. Today the mayor has announced that housing has likely been found and further information will be forthcoming.  They had asked people to consider reopening their basement suites as affordable housing in Coquitlam, as you well know, is very limited.

In the meantime, in order to support those families who have once again lost everything, there has been support set up through the following agencies:

Here are two possible suggestions for donations:

1.  http://sharesociety.ca/  Label for: Coquitlam Cottonwood Fire Support 
          Or for immediate support drop off or mail donations to SHARE Family & Community Services 
          Admin Office  #200-25 King Edward St. Coquitlam, B.C. V3K 4S8. Phone: 604.540.9161  Fax: 604.540.2290

2. Coquitlam Foundation -  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-coquitlam-foundation/
Again specifically direct to: Cottonwood Fire Support

Thanks for your support.

Rob