Helping Jennifer and Jay return home to Jasper

My name is Beth, I work with Charlie at Myodetox Oak. I'm organizing this GoFundMe on behalf of the Oak team in support of Charlie's parent's Jennifer and Jay Shin.

Jennifer and Jay moved to Jasper in 1988 and have lived there for 36 years. It was truly their first and only home since immigrating from South Korea to Canada. They stayed due to the loving, caring community that they felt for their two sons they raised in Jasper.

They owned a bungalow in the Cabin Creek neighbourhood on the westside of town, where the town was hit hardest by the fires. It was their first place living in Canada and after being there for 36 years, it’s hard to imagine life anywhere else. It’s sad to see that their community, activities, culture and work disappeared in an instant.

It’s hard to explain what it’s like to live in Jasper if you haven’t lived in a small town before. It’s like its own little bubble where everyone knew each other and supported one another and where everyone felt lucky and proud to say they were from Jasper. Most people love it for the same reasons: its nature and environment is incredibly beautiful. It’s hard to beat waking up to an elk and deer in your front yard in the morning, and the community is close knit and very welcoming.

On Monday July 22 2024 residents were evacuated. They found out the fire had reached Jasper by July 24. Since then residents have been displaced from Jasper until further notice. Later that week, Charlie’s parents found out that their home was one of the 300 structures that was destroyed by the fire.

At this point most things are unsure, they don’t know when they can return to Jasper or where they will live as 30% of residents homes were burnt down. However, as the community is so strong they’re sure it will rebuild.

Jennifer and Jay have had to leave their home with only their car and some clothing. On Charlie’s behalf we wanted to organize this to support his parents in any way we could. Charlie has been a part of the Oak family for the longest time. Everyone who’s ever met him recognizes him as the kindest soul, to know him is to love him. Every little bit will make a difference in helping his parents through this incredibly difficult time. Thank you all for donating!

How will this money be used?

Every dollar raised will be transferred directly to Jennifer and Jay Shin. The money will be used by them to help replace their belongings lost during the fire, and living expenses.