Grantmyre Fire Relief Fund
Donation protected
On July 1, 2020, Karl & Eva Grantmyre suffered a devastating house fire.
Karl woke up to smoke coming out of the basement. He was able to get Eva, their down syndrome daughter Gloria and two of three dogs out of the house before fire crews arrived. One elderly dog succumbed to smoke and did not get out of the house.
Fire Inspectors declared the house a total write-off. They determined the fire started under the washing machine, but they were unable to pinpoint the cause of the blaze that destroyed the house.
The Grantmyre’s house was a 1970’s double wide mobile home. They had poured a basement, built a porch, sided and put a peaked roof on the home. However because the interior of the house was under renovation and not fully drywalled, the Grantmyre’s were unable to insure the house.
Karl & Eva Grantmyre founded the Alberta Society for Injured Bird’s of Prey in 1987. For the last 33 years they have been operating a shelter rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds of prey and a 24/7 call center for injured raptors, fielding calls from across Alberta. Last year they rehabilitated 170 birds of prey and have pioneered wildlife rehabilitation in Alberta, contributing research to wildlife rehabilitation across North America.
Later in the day on July 1, Karl picked up two injured birds, one from Camrose and another from Elk Point. When suggested the shelter close its doors for a period of time due to the fire, Karl stated “no this is what we do”.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this story has not previously been in the news until this time because I (Roseanna) have released it. I am releasing this story now in the hopes of raising money to assist my parents with relocating a mobile home on to the property.
We have put a deposit on a single wide mobile home ($40,000) but it must be moved from Vegreville to Sherwood Park ($4,000) in September. The burnt house must be demolished which will cost ($6,000), permits must be obtained and the home must be fitted on the existing basement ($ unknown at this time). I am sure additional costs will arise but $50,000 is a baseline at this time.The Grantmyre’s are the last people to ask for help. They are seniors in their 60’s and 70’s who live frugally and make do with little means. This has allowed them to run the wildlife rehabilitation shelter despite these uncertain economic times. Karl and Eva have devoted their lives to helping others, but now they need help. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Roseanna (Grantmyre) Gullekson Update August 24, 2020 It looks like it’s a better plan to rebuild new rather than place an old mobile on the foundation. We have received a quote for 57, 166.30 to do that plus the $10,000 to demo the burnt house. Update November 14, 2020 We are looking at $150, 000 so far and they may be able to move into the house by Christmas if... the framing inspectors act in a timely manner.
Karl woke up to smoke coming out of the basement. He was able to get Eva, their down syndrome daughter Gloria and two of three dogs out of the house before fire crews arrived. One elderly dog succumbed to smoke and did not get out of the house.
Fire Inspectors declared the house a total write-off. They determined the fire started under the washing machine, but they were unable to pinpoint the cause of the blaze that destroyed the house.
The Grantmyre’s house was a 1970’s double wide mobile home. They had poured a basement, built a porch, sided and put a peaked roof on the home. However because the interior of the house was under renovation and not fully drywalled, the Grantmyre’s were unable to insure the house.
Karl & Eva Grantmyre founded the Alberta Society for Injured Bird’s of Prey in 1987. For the last 33 years they have been operating a shelter rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds of prey and a 24/7 call center for injured raptors, fielding calls from across Alberta. Last year they rehabilitated 170 birds of prey and have pioneered wildlife rehabilitation in Alberta, contributing research to wildlife rehabilitation across North America.
Later in the day on July 1, Karl picked up two injured birds, one from Camrose and another from Elk Point. When suggested the shelter close its doors for a period of time due to the fire, Karl stated “no this is what we do”.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this story has not previously been in the news until this time because I (Roseanna) have released it. I am releasing this story now in the hopes of raising money to assist my parents with relocating a mobile home on to the property.
We have put a deposit on a single wide mobile home ($40,000) but it must be moved from Vegreville to Sherwood Park ($4,000) in September. The burnt house must be demolished which will cost ($6,000), permits must be obtained and the home must be fitted on the existing basement ($ unknown at this time). I am sure additional costs will arise but $50,000 is a baseline at this time.The Grantmyre’s are the last people to ask for help. They are seniors in their 60’s and 70’s who live frugally and make do with little means. This has allowed them to run the wildlife rehabilitation shelter despite these uncertain economic times. Karl and Eva have devoted their lives to helping others, but now they need help. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Roseanna (Grantmyre) Gullekson Update August 24, 2020 It looks like it’s a better plan to rebuild new rather than place an old mobile on the foundation. We have received a quote for 57, 166.30 to do that plus the $10,000 to demo the burnt house. Update November 14, 2020 We are looking at $150, 000 so far and they may be able to move into the house by Christmas if... the framing inspectors act in a timely manner.
Organizer and beneficiary
Roseanna Gullekson
Organizer
Sherwood Park, AB
Eva Grantmyre
Beneficiary
