Local Company Contributes To The High Park Fire Recovery Effort

FORT COLLINS, Colo., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- During this dry Colorado summer, one of the most devastating wildfires in state history ravaged the western foothills of Fort Collins. The smoke lingering in town was a daily reminder of the battle local firefighters were fighting.

And for many, the reminder loomed even closer as they spent days evacuated, unsure of whether they would return to a home or a foundation covered in ash and the skeletal remains of household items.

Despite the widespread devastation, a feeling of hope and resolve prevailed throughout the area. Local communities rallied behind the victims of the High Park Fire and the firefighters who spent countless hours fighting to save lives, homes and the beloved mountain recreation areas.

Fort Collins based company, Weston Distance Learning Inc. began fundraising efforts just days into the fire. Weston staff members set out to raise funds to help their affected employees and boost local aid efforts.

"We all felt personally affected by the fire burning so close to home, especially when many of our coworkers were sleeping on friends' couches or at evacuation centers," said Ann Rohr, President at Weston. "We wanted to help and show them that we are a family here."

Two weeks after beginning fundraising, over $3,100 was raised by Weston employees.

Now the High Park Fire is 100% contained, but one Weston employee is rebuilding her life after losing the home that she rented in the heavy-hit Glacier View subdivision. A third of the money raised by Weston has been donated to help her get re-established.

"I will be forever grateful to Weston and its employees for the kindness and generosity they have shown me," she said. "This experience has been extremely trying, but having the extra support has made a world of difference. Thank you for everything."

The other two-thirds of the funds were donated to the volunteer fire departments of Rist Canyon and Glacier View in appreciation of their dedication to the community. Without their efforts, countless others would have lost land, livestock, homes and possibly even their lives.

Rohr said, "I am proud to lead an organization of so many generous individuals. Any time there is a need within the company or the community, they unite to meet that need. This was especially true during the fire that affected one of our own. I thank all our employees who contributed."

SOURCE Weston Distance Learning Inc.