A Helping Hand for Paul

Paul Vorderbruggen is a local Buffalo, MN resident who is extremely active in the community. You may know him through his work with Timber Bay or at one of the many events he attends or hosts. He might have even spoken and presented at your church. Or maybe you’ve known him longer than me; you two grew up together or have a long lasting connection. You might not know him, however. So if this is your first time or hundredth time hearing about him, allow me to introduce, or reintroduce, him.

Paul’s main passion throughout his life has always been to help. He has spent the past three decades working with Timber Bay, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth and giving them a space to grow into their adult lives with guidance. He has many lasting connections through this work. Many former Timber Bay kids, now adults, still seek his guidance and more-so his friendship as they navigate life after High School, College, in-state life, and out-of-state life. The work he does has had a long lasting effect.

More important than his work is his family. Paul is a husband to his wife, Erika, now coming up on their 27th anniversary. He has 4 sons, my three brothers and I, that still live in-state. We were lucky to have a dad that guided and provided for us and now we’re moving into adulthood prepared and ready thanks to him and our mom. His eldest son and daughter-in-law are about to give Paul a new adventure, a grandchild. As we await that chapter of our lives, our whole family is working through a different “adventure” none of us saw coming.

Late in May, Paul suffered a traumatic hand injury. The result was a surgical partial amputation of his pointer finger and surgery to save and repair his middle and ring finger. Thankfully, the surgery was successful and eventually his hand will be used to fix bikes and paddle canoes again. However, the recovery has been hard and has taken time. The subsequent cost of the surgery has also added to the mental toll of the accident. To have that burden relieved, even partially, would be a blessing to Paul and our whole family. Any and all donations help. Prayers, well-wishes, and sharing this story are all more than welcome as well. We are thankful for the community that surrounds us as we work through this unforeseen setback.

Our goal is $5,000 to help cover medical bills. We move forward in gratitude for everything that is given to us. We’ve learned and grown through the accident and expect to come out of it stronger and closer. Your help is so, so appreciated in any capacity. Thank you so much for whatever help you can give. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.