Last week’s fire on Queen West didn’t only destroy some of the neighbourhood’s best stores; it also put the dozens of people who lived in apartments above the shops out of a home. Some of these folks didn’t have insurance and lost most of their possessions. Many of the artists who lived in the buildings lost their work, and thus their source of income.

It’s great to see a neighbourhood—and Toronto as a whole—come together to help out in this time of need. Not long after the fire, a group of Queen West locals led by Jeanette Dowling started sending out Facebook invitations for a benefit to support the victims of the fire.

On Monday March 10 at 8:00 p.m., Holy Joe’s and the Reverb (651 Queen Street West) will be transformed into a full-on fundraising party. In true Queen West style, lots of awesome and diverse bands, including Thee Diet Pills and Mariposa, are going to play staggered sets on both stages, and the ever-amazing Jordan Bimm (of Put The Rifle Down) and Matt Blair will be DJing.

Besides the all-ages show, there’s also going to be a bake sale and a table to sell art, crafts, photos, and posters. If you’re interested in donating crafts to sell, send an e-mail to Cora Endean.

All money raised, including cover (a $10 suggested donation, but feel free to give as much as you can), will go to the trust fund established for the fire victims. What’s also cool is that a portion of the bar is going to the fund. Clothing and food donations will also be accepted.

This isn’t the only fundraiser for fire victims. Bovine Sex Club is also hosting a benefit on the weekend of March 15. Both should be a good time for a great cause.

Photo by Georgie_grrl from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.