One week after a sudden and deadly fire tore through two apartment buildings on King Street, community members have raised nearly $50,000 to support the victim’s family.
Amitoj Kaur was 24-years-old and came to Canada from India in 2020 as an international student, according to a GoFundMe page started by her family.
The fire happened on June 10, when crews responded to a building that was “fully engulfed” in flames.
One person was initially reported missing and was later found dead at the scene. Kaur was identified by those close to her through the GoFundMe page where loved ones describe her as ambitious with big dreams for the future.
Gobind Nishan Singh, who started the fundraiser, says on the page, “As we navigate this unbearable grief, our immediate priority is to bring her body back home to India. We want to ensure her parents and family can see her one last time, hold her close, and perform her final rites with the love and dignity she deserves.”
Her family says her sudden death has left them in shock, and that the financial burden of international repatriation, legal documentation, and funeral arrangements is overwhelming.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army says they have received an ‘overwhelming’ amount of donations for those who are displaced because of the fire.
Major Gerri Durdle says, “Our church is filled with clothing, bedding, kitchen items, personal care items. It’s just been amazing.”
Right now, about 12 families have lost their homes, according to Durdle.
RCMP and fire crews have not yet released a cause, and the investigation is ongoing.
