Connecticut Repair Shop Seeks Community Support After Fire Damages Business
A family-owned auto repair shop that’s been in Stamford, Connecticut, for four decades is now seeking support from the community after a fire recently devastated the business, reports Middletown Press.
On June 4, HO Automotive suffered a significant fire, taking 50 firefighters to contain and extinguish.
Though it isn’t yet clear what caused the fire, the business is dealing with the aftermath. A GoFundMe was started by the daughter of Huberto Ortiz, the shop’s owner, in an effort to help not only her family, but an employee who was injured during the incident.
The victim, who was described as one of the shop’s most loyal employees, has faced hardships since the fire happened.
HO Automotive was started by the Ortiz 40 years ago, and has been in the same spot on Dyke Road for over 20 years now. Though Ortiz had planned to retire soon, the fire has presented several obstacles in that path.
As of June 16, the fundraiser has garnered nearly $11,000 from 198 donations that will go towards supporting the Ortiz family and their injured employee.
“After a lifetime of showing up for us and others, he’s now left with no income, no shop, and deep uncertainty about what comes next,” reads the fundraiser. “As his daughter, I feel like it’s only right to share his story with you all and try my best to alleviate some of his worries.”
