UPDATE #3
Knowing that my folks will have so many expenses ahead (many known but many unforeseen), we want you to know that we just raised the goal because we continue to hear from many who are looking for a way to help and we didn't want to inadvertently "cap" these thoughtful gifts. So thanks in advance for continuing to help us spread the word by sharing this post/site.

When we started this fundraising effort on behalf of our parents, we had no idea where to start or what to expect. We have already surpassed our original fundraising goal... THANK YOU! My brother and I and our wives couldn't be more thrilled and thankful for the generous outpouring of care for my parents through your generous contributions!

Funds raised here don't take away the pain, there will still be much loss and grief, but your incredibly thoughtful and caring donations will certainly ease some of the practical needs that result from having lost their home and everything in it. So once again, THANK YOU and God bless!

UPDATE #2
I just changed the cover photo. This photo was taken inside my parents neighborhood, only about 100 yards from where their home once stood.

UPDATE #1
This is Derek. On Sunday, my son and I drove to a place near Yuba City, CA, towing our travel trailer. We left it with my folks (John & Earlene Olson) so they can live in it for the short-term while they figure out next steps after losing their home/everything in the wildfire that destroyed. Trevor and I are back home in Oregon now. 

This link is to a news article that gives stark insight into the speed of and destruction caused by this wildfire. - https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/national/amp-stories/how-the-camp-fire-overwhelmed-paradise/

The GoFundMe that my brother Jaron and I started for them is such an incredible encouragement in the midst of the major pain/heart-wrenching unknowns. Their immediate expenses include the campground they are living in, food, and shopping for clothes. 

Our whole family (including of course my parents) is extremely thankful for your generosity and even more thankful for your ongoing care and prayers! 

And thanks to all who have shared this link online. We also invite you to email this link to any of my parents friends who are not on Facebook or to anyone else you think may want to help -https://www.gofundme.com/jampe-olsonlost-home-in-camp-fire
Help spread the word!

ORIGINAL POST:
My name is Derek Olson (from Dallas, Oregon). My brother, Jaron Olson (from Santa Cruz, CA), and I are setting this up for our parents, John and Earlene Olson. On Thursday, they safely evacuated out of the path of the Camp Fire that recently swept through their town (Paradise, CA) but they have lost their home and everything in it. They got out with only one of their vehicles, a few belongings and their dogs. Their second vehicle and travel trailer are also gone.

We are thankful to God that they got out alive. And we are thankful for the many people who are already reaching out to help and care for my folks in any way. Please pray for them and all those affected by this tragic fire.

The Camp Fire is the most destructive wildfire in California history... so far taking 9 lives and burning over 6,700 structures... it currently has burned over 90,000 acres and is still only 20% contained. 52,000 people were evacuated. Fire officials said the town of Paradise was "pretty much destroyed."

We are setting this up to help my folks with all the immediate and unknown expenses that are ahead. They are currently figuring out where to live temporarily, will need to begin replacing basic necessities, and then eventually will almost certainly have costs that go beyond insurance coverage. They are "beneficiaries" of this GoFundMe effort so they will be able to withdraw funds directly... so you can rest assured your contributions will get directly to them.