Help Rebuild Tony's Life After Devastating House fire

https://www.westernwheel.ca/local-news/firefighters-responding-to-house-fire-in-okotoks-9239582

Dear friends and community members,

On July 18, 2024, Anthony "Tony" Griggs, a beloved member of the Okotoks community for 20 years and the surrounding area's for many more, experienced a tragic house fire at his home on Maple Street.

As one of my best and cherished friends for over 40 years, Tony's resilience and warmth have been a constant source of inspiration and he has always shown me and others the true meaning of friendship and loyalty through all these years and I'm grateful to call him my friend.

Even after a house fire destroyed his home while he was in the hospital, Tony's resilient spirit continues to shine through this challenging time as he works to rebuild from scratch even though he now finds himself with only the clothes and shoes he had on when he entered the hospital.

Many of you may know Tony as a familiar face, as he worked as a local cab driver, he spent years taking care of his now two adult children, along with his mother and most recently his sister who requires full time care, he also generously volunteered his time thru the Church. Tony has always been known for his big heart and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

As his daughter so eloquently said "My dad would take the shirt off his back for anyone to see them succeed. He is a great conversationalist, and has a sensible huge heart. He truly is the most resilient man I know, proving a sharp mind and strong soul can persever through almost anything. Even with his current and previous medical issues he's overcome, he still aspires to be a positive light to those around him."

Despite facing some of his own hardships including his health which in turn had impacted his employment and making his personal finances more challenging he still didn't allow such things to diminish his kindness. After being asked by the Church if he would assist by taking in a stranger into his small basement suite that he was renting and provided him a place to stay temporarily, Tony once again stepped up to the plate and gave this man not only a place to stay but gave up his own personal bedroom to help the man feel more comfortable while Tony slept on the couch.

During the time of this devasting fire, Tony was facing some more health challenges and was admitted to hospital in Calgary when the fire broke out. This is also where he learned of the fire and the loss of all his worldly possessions and family mementos and photos.

In the face of such adversity, Tony's first thought was of gratefulness to the fire fighters for their quick actions in rescuing his roommate and putting out the fire and his thoughts and wishes are for him to have a quick recovery from the injuries he sustained during the fire.

He would also like to express that he is also extremely appreciatative and gives thanks to all first responders on scene and the outpouring of support from his friends and neighbors.

Let's show Tony that he is not alone in this challenging chapter of his life and that our community stands together in times of need.

As a tight-knit community , Tony's friends and through the kindness of strangers, we have the opportunity to come together and support Tony during this difficult time. The funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will go directly towards helping Tony rebuild his life from the ground up. From providing him with essential clothing and personal items to assisting with finding a new place to call home, every donation counts in making a positive impact on Tony's journey towards recovery.

Your generosity, whether through donations, sharing this campaign, or offering words of encouragement, will make a meaningful difference in Tony's life as he works towards rebuilding and regaining stability. Together, we can help him move forward with hope and resilience.

Thank you for your support and kindness during this difficult time. Let's rally around Tony and show him the strength and compassion of our community.

With gratitude,

Marc Walker

(Organizer)

ttps://calgary.citynews.ca/2024/07/18/okotoks-house-fire-person-trapped-basement/