The following is a message to the York University community from Carol McAulay, vice-president, finance and administration:
Many of you may have heard of the tragic fire at the apartment building located at 235 Gosford Blvd. on Friday night that very sadly took the life of one resident and has displaced hundreds of others. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim and with all who have been affected by the fire.
The City of Toronto has led a coordinated response, providing the impacted residents with emergency support. To meet the immediate needs of evacuees, the Red Cross set up an emergency reception centre at the Driftwood Community Centre.
York values our important place within our surrounding community and immediately offered assistance, which was accepted. On Sunday afternoon, the Red Cross emergency reception centre moved to York University’s Tait McKenzie Centre. A number of residents who had to evacuate their homes this weekend are now guests on our campus and more may come in the days ahead.
We are pleased to be able to support our extended community and I know that many of you will also want to know if you can play a role. At this time, the City of Toronto and Red Cross are not requesting or accepting donations of any kind in support of the residents of 235 Gosford Blvd. and they have told us they will re-evaluate as needed in the coming days.
I would like to thank the many York University staff that worked over the weekend in the planning and preparation to receive the guests who require our support. To the dozens of staff in many different functions who immediately and readily jumped into action, and will continue to help in the days ahead, I am so very proud.