UPDATE: Kelly Copp of Oakbank, Man. is spearheading efforts to replace Elkhorn resident Alicia Hoemsen’s home lost in the housefire. Copp says that site cleanup is scheduled for Saturday by an excavation company out of Virden.
Donations through the GoFundMe account set up to help Hoemsen are well over $23,000 this week. Accounts have been set up in Virden banking institutions as well, for those not wanting to donate online.
Leslie Braybrook, a supporter for Hoemsen’s rescue work since 2013, has collected community donations of dog food, clothing and cash.
Braybrook happily announced that Hoemsen now has a pair of glasses that arrived on order this week to replace the pair she lost in the fire. Because she is living with family in Elkhorn at present, donations of furniture and household items cannot be received just now, but will be needed in the future.
It has been a rough week for Alicia Hoemsen, as she considers the loss of rescued animals. A Saskatchewan cat rescue stepped up to care for her pets. She said, “A+ Animal Rescue of Wawota is receiving donations for vet care of the survivors (pets who escaped).”
Elsewhere, fellow animal rescues have also rallied to her support. Spirit of Hope rescue based in Winnipeg has raised $4,600 toward a home for her.
Recorded on their Facebook: “Thank you for all of your support as we assist one of Manitoba’s rescue pioneers and heroes with her recovery…. We are pleased to announce that Spirit of Hope Rescue will be matching the amount raised in the auction with an additional donation of $4600 for a total of $9200.”
