Help JP's recover from this act of theft and catastrophe!

Hi there!

We are family, friends and community members of Granum, Alberta and we are combining efforts to raise money to offset some of the astronomical costs that Barin and Vicky Beresford (owners and operators of JP's Petro and General Store) have incurred in the recent weeks after an unfortunate fuel theft attempt turned catastrophic.

In the early hours of May 3rd, unknown suspects attempted to steal fuel from JP's Petro and General store. In their efforts, the thieves caused significant damage to the valve of a fuel holding tank which caused a major leak and, in turn, contaminated the surrounding land. Barin and Vicky immediately jumped into action to contain the still leaking fuel. All hands were on deck for the emergency clean up. Thank you to the Claresholm and Granum Fire Departments, and the Willow Creek Emergency Response Team for your swift response.

At this time, no one has been charged or has brought forward useful information on those individuals who are suspected to be involved.

The financial burden that has been thrust upon Barin and Vicky has put the future existence of the store in jeopardy. The costs of the clean up and remediation of the contaminated land is accruing at an astonishing rate. Costs are estimated at this time to be upwards of $200,000. As a small business in a small community, it will be near impossible to recover without community support.

Barin and Vicky are, without a doubt, two of the most generous people we know and are always among the first to donate to clubs, events and individuals in our community. Examples of past and present contributions include; The Fort Macleod 4H Club, Claresholm 4H Club, Cindy Gray’s Dance Studio, Granum Food Bank, Christmas Shoe Boxes with the Granum School, Granum Drop-In Center, Granum Recreation and Canada Day Committee, Granum Golf and Country Club, Granum Historical Society, Granum Library, Granum Recreation Society, Granum Fire Department, the Granum Gospel Music Jamboree, the Wilderness Ranch Camp, CaRES Animal Shelter, Empress Theatre, Porcupine Hills Car Show, Porcupine Hills Shadow Riders, Thomas Payne Racing, Yabba Fitness, Wyatt Hayes, and numerous door prizes for silent auctions at private and public events.

Please share this and donate any amount if you are able. If Barin and Vicky are forced to close JP's, our community will suffer immensely. It is time for our community to step up and help out a small, family owned business that has had a huge hand in keeping our community a great place to live.

Donations may be made with an etransfer to [email redacted], in person at ATB, or through this Go Fund Me page.

Funds will be allocated to paying the bills and invoices that have accrued during the fuel cleanup and land remediation.

Help us save JP's!