California Artist Helps Stranger Who Lost Home In Wildfire

CALIFORNIA -- By chance, a California artist surfing Instagram Wednesday morning found a woman in need after losing her home to the Thomas Fire. Now, she's on a mission to help.

Monica Foulston, an artist in Redlands, California, said she was on the social media platform when she discovered the GoFundMe Page for Bhagvati Khalsa, who lost her home in Ventura.

"We are so heartbroken for our friend and all the people who lost their homes. This has been a very difficult time for so many," the GoFundMe reads.

Khalsa, who goes by "Bug," was one of the first victims of the wildfire, according to the page.

"She was one of the first homes that burned at Buena Vista Street and Fir Street in Ventura. She not only lost her home, but also her art studio and her car, but thankfully her car was insured," the page reads.

Foulston said the GoFundMe account forced her into action, recalling what happened when her home flooded during a unique rainstorm six years ago in California.

"The fires hit home for me," Foulston said. "I feel like I have a taste of where (Khalsa) is. I know what it means to say, 'Now what? What do I do now?' But I also have a taste of what it feels like to have people help you."

Foulston told her fans on Instagram that 10 percent of proceeds earned from the sale of her artwork through the end of the year will go to Khalsa as she rebuilds her life and home. Although she doesn't personally know Khalsa, she feels it's her responsibility to offer a helping hand.

"I don't even know this lady, but I went to the GoFundMe account and told her this was my plan," Foulston said. "If we only help people who we might know, that might not be many people. I don't want to live in a hole. We can give hope to people who may not hope."

This isn't the first time Foulston, whose nickname is Van Mogh, has used her artwork to give back. The fifth grade elementary school teacher said she has used her art to help victims from the Northern California wildfires, as well as, victims of the Las Vegas massacre earlier this year. In both cases, she did not know anyone personally affected.

"Knowing them doesn't matter to me because we all have experienced pain at some time in our life," Foulston said. "Tomorrow, it might be me who is in need."

--Photos courtesy of Monica Foulston

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