Our time in Jasper has come to an end.
Staying in Jasper has been incredibly helpful during the Fort McMurray evacuation. We are so glad we made the decision to wait out ‘The Beast’ here. Being in this beautiful, magical place has contributed to our ability to be able to deal with the turmoil and trauma of the Fort McMurray wilfire.
First and foremost we would like to thank my cousin Mallory Parcels and her husband Aaron Parcels for opening their home to us. I cannot express how good it is to stay with family in a crisis. They immediately offered their home to us and we are so grateful.
To Maggie McDowell and Kathleen Waxer from Jasper Community Outreach Services. We came in to COS tired, disheveled and overwhelmed. You immediately helped us with clothing, food and a sympathetic ear. You helped us form a plan for how to proceed when we had no energy and mental resources to do so ourselves. You made us feel so welcome and safe. Thank you for your compassion, warmth and friendship.
To Lynn and Andrew Wannop of Coco’s Cafe who fed us (no charge) some of the most delicious food we have ever eaten! Thank you so much for your generosity. We recommend that every one who visits Jasper go to Coco’s Cafe!
To Paul Clarke at the 51°µÍø for allowing us to tell our story and letting us spread our message about emergency preparedness to the people of Jasper.
To Les at the Jasper Community Team for keeping us informed about financial assistance being offered. It helped make things so much simpler and much less stressful for us.
To Galal Helmy and Nadia Helmy and their staff at Maligne Canyon Resort for putting on a fundraiser for Fort McMurray. Bless you and thank you for your kindness and support. Thank you to Jasper fire chief Greg Van Tighem for giving your presentation on emergency preparedness.
To Liz Olsen for meeting with us and allowing us to help communicate everything that the town of Jasper has done for us.
To the small businesses in Jasper for offering discounts and free meals to us. In an event like this, the smallest gestures can have the biggest impacts. Jasper has definitely shown us how kind, loving, sympathetic and wonderful its residents are. This truly is a wonderful place. The people here have helped heal our souls, and Jasper has stolen a piece of our hearts.
Don’t be surprised if in the future, we end up being one of your neighbours.
Our kindest regards,
Mathew, Amanda and Odin Clements
Fort McMurray, Alta.
