Help Michelle Rebuild After the Bald Range Fire

On August 7th, my friend Michelle and I found ourselves in the middle of the Bald Range fire.

What followed was terrifying. We were trying to get ourselves and animals to safety, and ultimately barely made it out. We are incredibly grateful to be safe, but the aftermath has created a new kind of uncertainty for Michelle.

Michelle has dedicated her life to horses and sharing them with others. She trains horses and teaches children, youth, and adults, and this work is her sole source of income. She also has five horses of her own, who she has had to relocate while figuring out what comes next for the sanctuary where they were boarding.

The fire has changed what day-to-day life and work look like for her. There are now significant additional costs for hauling horses, fuel, hay, temporary arrangements, and caring for her animals. At the same time, her normal income has been disrupted because the horses, facilities, and community she relies on have all been affected.

And Michelle gives so much beyond her own livelihood.

She is an important part of equine-assisted programming through Lumara Bereavement Care Society, helping create meaningful healing experiences for people navigating grief and loss. She volunteers 5 days per year to provide this therapy for free. Her horses and her work have become part of something that brings comfort and connection to others during some of their hardest seasons.

Right now, I would love for us to give some of that care back to her.

Our initial goal is $5,000 to help Michelle with the immediate, unexpected costs of navigating displacement and rebuilding her ability to work. Every contribution—no matter the amount—will help ease a little of the financial pressure while she figures out what comes next.

If you aren’t in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser is genuinely helpful.

And if you’d also like to support New Beginnings Animal Sanctuary as they work toward rebuilding, you can find their separate fundraiser here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/new-beginnings-animal-sanctuary-society/

Thank you for helping surround Michelle with the same kindness, generosity, and care that she has given so freely to others.

With love & gratitude,

Sarah