Devastated family of Queens, NY fire victims raises funds to help those left behind

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Family members of Salima Persaud, her husband Balo Persaud and their 22-year old son Devon, have begun a GoFundMe account to raise funds following their tragic death on June 17, 2022, from a fire that destroyed their home in Queens, N.Y.

“We have no words to express our grief for such a way to die as a family,” said Abid Ally, the first cousin of Salima Persaud, who started the GoFundMe account. To date by June 21, the site shows $43,076 has been collected from donations made by sympathizers.

The Persauds leave behind their son Boyo, his wife and their two young children, who Ally said, “are inconsolable and financially unable to cover funeral expenses.”

Other family members who live in Guyana lack the money to travel to the U.S. for the funerals, notes the account on GoFundMe.

“This family perished in the fire and did not deserve to die like this. They were always so welcoming, treated everyone like family, and always tried their best to put a smile on everyone’s faces,” Ally said. “It is our duty as human beings to give them the same love and care that they shared with everyone,” he added.

The funds being raised are not just for the funerals, but also to assist their remaining son and his family.

“Salima, also known as Sally was my first cousin, my sister who was a social butterfly, who was selfless, a genuine person, and was always the first one to help in any situation,” Ally recalled.

“Her husband was a hard working man who had to stop working due to a disability and who also recently had surgery.”

Devon was just 22 years old. “(He) was a smart and sensitive soul who showed care and compassion for all he met and left a last impression on all he met,” said Ally.

The goal of the fundraising effort is $60,000.