Hunt Family Fire Damage Assistance

[Rackmastr]

Hey Guys,

As most of you saw, Jamie Hunt and his family lost their house this week due to a fire. Jamie has been a long time poster here and has always been the kind of guy to go out of his way to help guys on here or meet and greet new people and take them out.

As a friend of his, I'd like to personally be one of the guys to start getting something together for him. What I'd like to see is maybe guys taking a look through their hunting/household gear and see if we have anything that could make Jamie's transition in the next few weeks/months easier.

Household goods that arent being used would be a good place to start. Hunting equipment to lend or give to his family would most likely be greatly appreciated so he can take his son on some of the hunts they had planned. I'm sure cash donations would be also put to good use for the time that its going to take for insurance, etc to get sorted out.

Post here if you're interested in helping. Maybe we could post some items that we have for the family to have, as well as items that could be lent or borrowed to help the transition in the next little while.

Thoughts on how to make this work? Mods maybe this could be stickied for a week or two?

[Albertadiver]

Well count me in. Jamie offerred to take me duck hunting, and we've had some interesting exchanges in the past, so yeah, count me in.

I have a smaller freezer that was spoken for by an AO member here but if that falls through, and if Jamie needs it, it's up for grabs (for free).

I think the best thing would be if Jamie could let us know of what essentials he needs first, and then see what we can come up with.

We have extra dishes / glasses / etc. that are brand new as wedding gifts we haven't used yet. We also have some bedding, blankets, etc. I might have some jackets that would fit Jamie too.

Either way, we should get organized on the forum here and see what we can do. Just like we got our act together with those duck poachers, we should get our act together to help out a fellow outdoorsman and his family.

I'm sure as traumatic as this is, Jamie and his wife would be doing better than the kids. The kids probably need school stuff all over again now too. Maybe some 'fun things' for them as well.

[4thredneck]

If anybody in the Edmonton area can take stuff down to Calgary I am sure I could find some things to send. I just can't take the time to go to Calgary right now.

[hal53]

Well count me in. Jamie offerred to take me duck hunting, and we've had some interesting exchanges in the past, so yeah, count me in.

I have a smaller freezer that was spoken for by an AO member here but if that falls through, and if Jamie needs it, it's up for grabs (for free).

I think the best thing would be if Jamie could let us know of what essentials he needs first, and then see what we can come up with.

We have extra dishes / glasses / etc. that are brand new as wedding gifts we haven't used yet. We also have some bedding, blankets, etc. I might have some jackets that would fit Jamie too.

Either way, we should get organized on the forum here and see what we can do. Just like we got our act together with those duck poachers, we should get our act together to help out a fellow outdoorsman and his family.

I'm sure as traumatic as this is, Jamie and his wife would be doing better than the kids. The kids probably need school stuff all over again now too. Maybe some 'fun things' for them as well.
We're a little far away for household donations.....any thoughts on setting up an account...so us out of towners can help in some way?????
H & T

[Kelly & Beth]

for us who did not know here is link
glad to hear everybody is ok.
like he said its just things,
family are not replaceable but things are.
http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/10/12/11376311-sun.html

[Rackmastr]

We're a little far away for household donations.....any thoughts on setting up an account...so us out of towners can help in some way?????
H & T

I will look into this tomorrow at the bank and see whats involved. I'm sure some extra cash would do Jamie and his family well to get through the next little while. I'm sure Jamie would love to be able to take Will out for some hunting yet this year as well.

Consider it done. I will get an account set up that we can donate to tomorrow. Anyone interested please watch and I will post all info tomorrow by early afternoon.

[Ken07AOVette]

I have items I can send, but what is his insurance situation first?
Is there a point in sending stuff right away, if the insurance company is going to tell him to go out and buy everything new?

Just read the story, he is a realtor, will definately have insurance.
Is there any way to contact him, or have someone post what is needed, or been sent?

[hal53]

I will look into this tomorrow at the bank and see whats involved. I'm sure some extra cash would do Jamie and his family well to get through the next little while. I'm sure Jamie would love to be able to take Will out for some hunting yet this year as well.

Consider it done. I will get an account set up that we can donate to tomorrow. Anyone interested please watch and I will post all info tomorrow by early afternoon.
Tnaks...will keep an eye open for it....if you're talking to him, please pass along the best from the wife and I, Man, he's had a horrible year!!!!!...wasn't it just this summer he cut his holidays short to help out his wife's family in Edmonton who had a similar issue???
H & T

[Rackmastr]

I am sure he has full insurance on everything. What I'm thinking is to get him through the next few weeks (we know how insurance is) it would be nice to have stuff so he is able to hunt with his son, get the basic stuff figured out, etc.

If stuff is given to him, I'm sure when he is done with it, it could be returned to the person or donated on to a charity/etc.

[Cowboy Al]

I hadn't seen him post in lately,I wondered what he was up to? I guessI know now. I'm thankful that everyone's ok. Good on you for setting something up Rack. I'd be interested in helping out.

[Kanonfodder]

Heard from James awhile ago he just got back from clothes shopping...guess he was tired of bein stared at in camo..lol....as a big fella I offered him my Oilers Jersey to comfort him thru this time....he said and I quote "your offer is generous but surprisingly a stack of toilet paper made it through the blaze so the offer of the Jersey is not needed " .... lol I know he is lashing out from grief ...:evilgrin:.. Im sure he will let us know if anything is needed....

[220swifty]

If he didn't manage to save his rifles, i can probably loan a gun or two for his big game endeavors.

Shoot me a PM if you need em Jamie, i'm sure your inbox must be nearing full.

[Guitar]

I'm in for a cash donation to the account. Good on you guys.

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

HOLY #*#T Jamie , I'm glad y'all are alright . Sorry to hear about that . I saw the ad on the 11 O clock news the other night . I'm gonna send you a PM .I guarantee , everyone , that Jamie isn't a Dumb man , wouldn't not have insurance , he sell real estate for cripes sakes . Man im lost for words .

[Boss442]

Sorry to hear of your loss Jamie. If you need a rifle for this years hunting season, I have a Browning 300wsm you can borrow for the winter, just PM me. Take care

[Rackmastr]

There is an Informal Trust Fund set up at the Royal Bank for The Hunt Family. I am the sole signer on the trust and will ensure that Jamie sees this money as soon as I can transfer funds to him.

Insurance will cover several of Jamie's family's costs, however there are a lot of 'unseen' expenses and lifestyle things that are altered with something so huge as this. This extra money can be spent by the family to help get back on their feet quickly without building debt. It will allow the Hunt Family to go out and enjoy a dinner and forget about things, to continue taking their children to their activities, and to buy the items needed to get back on track quickly. I have known another family who lost their home and the impact is sudden and hard. Any little bit that we do to help a friend out in this time has gotta count for something!

Anyone interested in donating, here is the information:

The Hunt Family Trust is set up at the Royal Bank.

Transit# 07379-003
Acct # 5130745

[Sakoman]

Can this be done at any Royal Bank?

Thanks.

[Rackmastr]

Can this be done at any Royal Bank?

Thanks.

Yes....it can be done at any Royal.

[BigRackLover]

I have a 308 rifle and a 30-06 rifle that can be borrowed (ammunition as well). Both have scopes.

I have an extra jacket (camo & Large size) that he can borrow.

[Geezle]

Yes....it can be done at any Royal.

My life is going to be a chit show the next few days, but as soon as I can make it down to the bank during business hours I'll be making a donation...even if it's just a small one :o every little bit helps :)

[ducky_hunter]

hey why dont we take all are un used hunting supplies and have a huge grarage sale. All the money to Jamie and his Family.

[Kanonfodder]

As the aforementioned "fellow hunter" I hereby rescind all offers to help :tongue2:






Two families, burned out by fire, overwhelmed by support


By Robert Remington, Calgary HeraldOctober 14, 2009 8:00

The emotion in Jamie Hunt's voice is palpable. Two days after fire destroyed his home, the 39-year-old native Calgarian is overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers offering to help him rebuild.

"I have people I haven't even met, and they want to give me money?" he asked Tuesday, his voice cracking. "I really don't have any words to describe that. To put it in the best terms, I have not shed one tear over losing this house."

Although stunned by the support, Hunt's thoughts Tuesday were for a family of new immigrants, the Igbokwes, who were also burned out in fire at their rented home in northeast Calgary on Oct. 1.

"I was born and raised here. I've got 30 relatives who don't live more than 10 minutes away," Hunt said. "These people might not have anybody. If they need anything at all, they can call me."

It was a remarkable gesture, but one that wasn't needed. Immigrants Stanley and Florence Igbokwe and their two children --Fortune, 6, and Elvis, 4-- moved into new accommodation, with furniture arranged for them by Feed-a-Need, an organization started three years ago by local businessmen Al Dhalla and Al Mohammed.

A Calgary insurance broker also donated $1,000 to the family and is giving the couple free home or tenants' insurance for a year. The Igbokwes immigrated from Nigeria in June and were uninsured.

"A lot of new immigrants don't understand the concept of insurance. That's why a lot of these tragedies happen," said Sherif Gemayel. He and his business partner, Harpreet Nijjar of Sharp Broker Services, decided to help out.

"Harp and I both come from immigrant backgrounds and we operate in the northeast, so this one hit close to home for us."

Most of the donations for Hunt, his wife and two children are coming from the Alberta hunting community, which has filled the Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum, a provincewide hunting website, with offers household goods, clothes and money.

The Hunts lost everything when their southeast Calgary home was destroyed early Sunday morning. Hunt and his son Willy, 8, were duck hunting and his wife Heidi and daughter Sydney, 10, were in Edmonton for Thanksgiving when the fire broke out.

On Tuesday, fellow hunter Trevor Carruthers of Lethbridge set up an account at the Royal Bank. People can donate money to the Hunt family at any branch.

"We kind of look out for our own. We're a pretty tight-knit community. If there's one thing we have in common, it's watching each other's backs," said Carruthers, who met Hunt five years ago on the hunting forum's message board.

Hunt, a realtor, choked up Tuesday talking about the outpouring of support.

"What gets me is all the friends I didn't know I had and the friends I had lost contact with. I've got guys I don't even know calling up, offering me their kids' hockey gear so my son can play hockey. I've got 20 offers of guns so I can go hunting. I can stock an armoury."

His realty office called Tuesday, telling him that they are ordering a special doll from New York to replace his daughter's favourite possession.

"These are all wonderful things that people are doing for my wife and my kids and that makes me very, very emotional."

His son is devastated at the loss of his signed Flames hockey jersey.

"He's gone through a lot in the last two days. He's been a helluva trooper. All he wants back out of that house is his Flames jersey."

One fellow hunter on the forum offered to send him an Oilers jersey, but he declined.

"Your offer is generous, but surprisingly a stack of toilet paper made it through the blaze so the offer of the jersey is not needed," a good-natured Hunt wrote back

"There has been a lot of stress in the last couple of days and some of these guys are really making me laugh," Hunt said of the messages from fellow hunters.

He also praised firefighters who burst into the burning house and who sifted through debris to recover items.

"It's incredible what I am feeling. I wish everybody could experience this, could have this, without going through it. If everybody could feel what I feel toward people right now, this world would be a different place."

The Igbokwes expressed similar sentiments, amazed at the help they've been given.

"It's heartwarming, really, that people are responding in this manner to total strangers," Stanley Igbokwe told Global TV.

"The future is very, very bright, for this to have happened to us," said his wife, Florence.

On a bitter cold day in Calgary, it was a story to warm the heart.

rremington@theherald.canwest.com

[Kanonfodder]

I of course am kidding.......

[Albertadiver]

Well we can always divert some of this help to the other family!

Glad we can help. My donation hasn't gone in yet, but it will.

[FallAirFever]

Holy Crap....
Jamie I am so glad you and your family are safe. I am just trying to catch up on what is going on, been gone for a week. If you or willy need some clothes for your hunting trips let me know. My boys are 7 and 8 so I might have some kids stuff that will fit Willy, let me know if I can help in anyway.
I have a flames hat that I bought in a moment of weakness just before a game last year, so only worn once, if you want its all yours!

Good on all you guys that are offering to help, it really is a great group we have here a lot like a family in my mind sure we can bicker and get under eachothers skin but when one of our own is trouble we sure come together in a hurry.

Jamie, my families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Derrick

[guidehunt]

i have lots of extra gear boots clothes, where can i drop off ,or what does he need i will probley have one good luck .

[Pixel Shooter]

I'm relatively new here, stalker really :lol: but came out from reading all these posts forever and decided what an awesome group, how can one not step up and participate, for that I thank you.

So sorry to hear of the loss, thank god most possessions can be replaced, family is #1 and so glad to hear no one was home. Now its just a pain.

Well I live in Edmonton, but I hate the Oilers :tongue2: I do have a signed Flames jersey that I would luv for your son to have, might be a tad big but its pristine and its an actual game jersey.

For those of us who would luv to donate financially, its great to hear of the RBK acct set up, it might make it easier for everyone if they had the ability to EMT (electronic funds transfer). As long as you deal with one of the 5 major charter banks, and have online access to your banking (web banking) , you can send money from the comfort of your own home and send directly to this account.. All we need is an email address to send money and provide you with a password so the money will be automatically deposited to their trust account. Just wanted to pass that on as I know everyones life is busy.

Again sorry to hear of your loss

[Rackmastr]

Pixel Shooter...good point.

Anyone who wants to donate to Jamie through the Trust Fund can send me a PM. I will provide them with an email address if they would like to do an EMT.

Thanks!
Trev

[river_runner]

Pixel Shooter...good point.

Anyone who wants to donate to Jamie through the Trust Fund can send me a PM. I will provide them with an email address if they would like to do an EMT.

Thanks!
TrevHumm It is a good thing what you are doing but i have to ask he cant be that bad off if he is going hunting .I wish him and his family all the best good luck hunting .

[Rackmastr]

Humm It is a good thing what you are doing but i have to ask he cant be that bad off if he is going hunting .I wish him and his family all the best good luck hunting .

Pretty ignorant comment River_Runner. Obviously you havent thought of how stressful a time it would be to lose everything you OWN in a fire. No where did I say that Jamie was 'bad off' or needed money to continue living. He just had every one of his family's possessions burnt and it will take months to get back to 'normal'.

Ever think that one of the reasons that Jamie is going hunting is because of the outpour of help that has been offered and equipment that has been offered to him and his family so they can continue to try to lead a 'normal' life through this time?

[river_runner]

Pretty ignorant comment River_Runner. Obviously you havent thought of how stressful a time it would be to lose everything you OWN in a fire. Dont be upset ok it wont do anyone any good like i said i wish him and his family all the best .Just my 2 cent

[Rackmastr]

Dont be upset ok it wont do anyone any good like i said i wish him and his family all the best .Just my 2 cent

Not upset at all. I use the term 'ignorant' in the defined way. It takes a hell of a lot more than the internet to make me 'upset' lol

[river_runner]

Not upset at all. I use the term 'ignorant' in the defined way. It takes a hell of a lot more than the internet to make me 'upset' lolWell Thats good to know thanks.

[sharpstick]

Totally uncalled for RR. Why is there always that one person that makes a inconsiderate ridiculous comment that just is over the top. Has no one ever told you if you have nothing good to say, than shut it? Of course you mean well for him and his family, it's the rude comment you made that will have dozens, if not hundreds coming after you for making it. How about offering something his family has a use for, instead of horrible comments? Enuf said!

Jamie, on a side note, I was fortunate enough to kill an elk this fall and would be more than happy to share the meat with your family. i have steaks, roasts, sausage and jerky (all made at Longview Jerky) That I would be more than happy to deliver to you. Please PM me if I can help out. I will also offer to send you and your family to a Flames game so you can take your mind off of this horrible tragedy for a short time. if you need a new jersey signed, please let me know, I can arrange for that as well.

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Sharpstick

[Sporty]

Jamie, you and I spoke through PM's and even though you and I haven't seen eye to eye on certain posts here I have to respect and admire your generosity, will and determination. What you did for that other family is one of the most unselfish, generous and awe inspiring gestures I've seen in a long time especially what you and your family have gone just gone through.

Good luck on rebuilding your life, it would seem that you have a good head start. To everyone else here, good job, it awesome to see people band together like this, everyone needs to be proud of themselves! :)

Thanks Rackmastr for setting that up, sending a donation today. Wonder if the mods could sticky this up top so it is easier for those to find that want to send donations via the account?

River_runner, the hunt he is going on was set up quite awhile ago for his young son, he doesn't want to disappoint his son especially after what his family just went through. Not that it needs to be explained but good for him to pull his boots up and keep living.

[Jamie]

Jamie, on a side note, I was fortunate enough to kill an elk this fall and would be more than happy to share the meat with your family. i have steaks, roasts, sausage and jerky (all made at Longview Jerky) That I would be more than happy to deliver to you. Please PM me if I can help out. I will also offer to send you and your family to a Flames game so you can take your mind off of this horrible tragedy for a short time. if you need a new jersey signed, please let me know, I can arrange for that as well.

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Sharpstick

MMMMMMM
Longview Jerky
I lost my emergency supply of Moose jerky. I was saving it for hunting camp this fall. Unfortuantly it got a little bit over smoked:lol::lol: Along with all that great Salmon and Halibut:cry::cry::lol:

Only one thing to do.. Eat your jerky while trying to head out after more Salmon.:lol:

Thank you for the offer.

Sporty. though we might sometimes disagree on different politcs. It doesnt really matter. You kind words are humbling to say the least.

Thanks all
Jamie