A fire late Sunday night (Feb. 12) damaged two businesses at Essendene and Montrose avenues in historic downtown Abbotsford.
A post on the “Downtown Abbotsford” Facebook page says Reddy Made Cakes and Montrose & George General Store were “impacted greatly” by a fire in the unit above their spaces.
The businesses will be closed until further notice, the post indicates.
Montrose & George, a clothing store, had just held a reopening event on Saturday (Feb. 11) after undergoing new ownership in December.
GoFundMe campaigns have been organized for both businesses.
The page for Reddy Made Cakes states that the bakery is raising money to temporary relocate and rent a new space, as well as for new ingredients and supplies.
“We have several employees also affected for whom this job is their main source of income. We would like to continue to support them until we are once again up and operating,” the page states.
Reddy Made Cakes, owned and operated by Crystal Reddy, says the two long-term tenants living in the suite where the fire occurred were also impacted.
The tenants did not have content insurance, the post says.
“We would like to be able to donate some funds to them as well so they can get back on their feet.”
Candace Miller, the new owner of Montrose & George, says on the store’s GoFundMe page that, after the reopening, staff were “so excited for the future.”
“If anyone feels the need, or wants to help keep our dreams alive, please donate,” the page states.
“I hope we can continue to support our community and have our sweet little boutique thrive.”
A GoFundMe campaign has also been organized for the tenants – Alexis and Jaime – of the upstairs suite, who escaped safely with their cat, Mila.
“These two young women are incredibly kind, caring and community-minded people who would go out of their way to help anyone in need,” the page states.
“Both are university students and they need our support more than ever to help them replace all the daily necessities, clothing, housewares, etc. and find a new home.”
The page for the two businesses can be found on gofundme.com by searching “Help us keep our business alive” and ”Help us keep the store alive.”
The campaign for the tenants can be found by searching “Help Alexis & Jaime After the Fire.”
A spokesperson with the City of Abbotsford said the fire started at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday. The fire was fully involved when crews arrived, but they were able to extinguish it and ventilate the suite.
Fire damage was contained to the suite, but the businesses had some smoke and water damage, the spokesperson said.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
vikki.hopes@abbynews.com
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