There are news stories that hit close to home but nothing has been as shocking to the community as what happened to Casa Da Madeira this week. Executive members shared on social media the condition of the hall after a fire was put out by Toronto Fire Services. The main hall and foyer entrance was burned badly; tables, chairs and equipment ruined; electrical, heating and plumbing compromised. Yet to be clarified is the structural integrity of the building and if it poses any risk on the second and third floors. Thankfully, the materials and historical artifacts in the library were spared from any damages.
They also shared footage of an arsonist that was recorded on security cameras breaking and entering, then setting the interior ablaze with a can of gasoline. They got away however not without catching on fire themselves. This is devastating news and something that could leave the Canadian Madeira Club in shambles before recovery. There will be significant repairs needed and there is no telling how long that will take.
What needs to unfold is locating that criminal and holding them accountable for what was done. Under no circumstances should they get away with this. The harm they caused has not only impacted a beloved space, while it could have hurt or injured anyone nearby, but the result has shattered the hearts of everyone in the community.
Multiple community partners have spoken up and are all standing in solidarity with the Casa Da Madeira, including ACAPO, FPCBP, politicians, community leaders, television hosts and other cultural groups. While it may sometimes feel like the community doesn’t always agree, as unfortunate as it is to say, moments like these show how much the community is united and demonstrates how they have each other’s back.
Whether you grew up attending festas or have been involved most recently, every Portuguese person in the city has had some sort of connection to the building, myself included. I have been a member for the last year and family members have been going there for decades. In fact, my wife’s grandfather was part of the founding membership and her Aunt was a dedicated volunteer for a long time. In our years as a couple, we brought the family together for many nights including our Stag And Doe as well as Christmas Eve twice. Otherwise, the place was always there for a good night out with music and food to celebrate traditional events.
Last year, I had the great privilege to share the Club’s history with special guests and connected the Board with prominent vloggers from Madeira, Hit The Road Madeira. They captured the essence of the Canadian Madeira Club during the biggest feast of the year, Nossa Senhora do Monte, and the park that has been a part of so many lives. The four-part series encapsulated the joy and passion that everyone involved shares for the space. My brothers Jeff and André will be stunned to hear of the news.
To see what has happened is unbelievable and my thoughts and prayers are holding on to a day that the Club will recover and rise like a phoenix from the ashes to secure its influence in the community, just as before. Until then, there must be an investigation and consequences for those responsible.
God Bless Casa Da Madeira!
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