On May 7th, 2019, 900 students and staff at York Memorial Collegiate Institute (otherwise known as Memo) in Toronto were forced to evacuate due to a devastating fire that broke out within the school. With part of the roof and floor collapsed, students have been unable to return to the building, which was set to celebrate its 90th anniversary that month. Along with personal items that were left behind, nearly a century of historic memorabilia was lost forever, including countless irreplaceable photographs and plaques that celebrated the rich history of the neighbourhood.
Some of our own were once part of this now displaced group; NST co-founder William Nguyen aka Photo Will , and family friend and close collaborator Kelsey Williams aka Kelsey Williams.
A few weeks ago on September 8th, the NST family alongside KillaxKels, Xavier Pierre, Hangaelle and Tabby Donaldson (former Memo Alumni) held a fundraising event at Cold Tea in Kensington Market to help replace any educational materials, equipment, and supplies that were destroyed in the fire. Proceeds made from the event were added to our donation pot for the school.
It was really amazing to see everyone show up and celebrate a cause that meant a lot to us. The energy was beautiful and positive. We couldn't have asked for better. Sometimes its not all about the business, but its about the people and the communities that have helped shaped our world and lives.
On behalf of the NST family, York Memorial C.I. and it's surrounding community, thank you to everyone who has shown love and support by either attending the fundraiser, donated online, lended a helping hand or spread the word.It means more than you know.
Special thanks to Ace Hill, Red Bull and Cold Tea for their contributions. Shout out to Brian Butler for being our grill master and feeding the peoples. And of course to Linda of Gilt & Glaze for the amazing cake.
The second part of the NST initiative will include a charity concert at York Memorial later this fall. Stay tuned.
If you havent donated yet, please do at the link below
https://www.gofundme.com/f/nstforyorkmemo
Photo Credits: @jxkson, @pavidderry, @jperos, @xtinedo.
