ROAM guides who lost homes in Jasper National Park fire!

We are Brian McCutcheon and Ashley Scanlan, owners of ROAM Adventures Inc., a wilderness outfitter in Canada that operates around the globe. We are setting up this GoFundMe to assist two of our excellent staff members who have lost everything but their spirits in a devastating wildfire.

This past week a massive wildlife destroyed 35% of the townsite in Jasper National Park where two of our ROAM Guides, Jimmy Gillese and Ryan Tichner, both live. The good news is the park service was able to evacuate everyone (including Ryan, Jimmy's wife, 3 toddlers and husky) without injury or loss of life.

The bad news is that Jimmy (who was guiding on our Chilko River adventure at the time) and Ryan, who is nursing a broken foot, have lost their homes. They are being stoic and reluctant to accept help but their personal losses are staggering.

In their resilient fashion, despite having lost everything, they believe they are better off than most and are worried about their community and getting it rebuilt. Both Jimmy and Ryan have been Jasper residents for 20 years and are staunch supporters of the community. They both work winters at the ski hill which has also been devastated and unlikely to reopen this winter. Relocation appears imminent as tourism has ground to an abrupt halt.

For those of you who know Ryan, this will not be his first rising like a phoenix as he triumphed over a career ending rock climbing accident and paralysis, only to continue to inspire people on a day to day basis. Sadly, Ryan's sit ski and kayak were also lost in the tragedy as was Jimmy's new home which was just nearing completion.

ROAM Adventures has pledged support with temporary and long term housing as well as financial assistance but they have literally lost it all. Tens of thousands of dollars of outdoor gear along with more personal and sentimental items. Any donations to the crew will be greatly needed an appreciated.

Many of you have reached out to us with offers to help so we believe a GoFundMe drive will be the most effective and efficient way for Ryan and Jimmy (and his family) to get direct help. Many thanks to all of you...

All monies raised will be given directly to Ryan and Jimmy to help them restart their lives. In the short term, it will cover meals and transportation. In the long term, should our goal be met, it will help replace an adaptive sit ski, outdoor gear to resume work, and assist with costs of relocation and day-to-day living.

Sincerely

Brian and Ashley

ROAM Adventures Inc.

www.iroamtheworld.com