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HomeNews$35,000 raised and counting for Espanola’s Chris Gillis

$35,000 raised and counting for Espanola’s Chris Gillis

A fundraising campaign to assist an Espanola man on his road to recovery following a devastating motorcycle collision has been successful in reaching its goal in two short weeks. The campaign began on September 15th and by September 28th had reached its goal of $35,000. As of press time, it was at $38,458.

Chris Gillis of Espanola is well known, not only as a paramedic with Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services, but also has a long-time volunteer.

Just about a month ago, he was involved in a collision with a deer on Manitoulin Island while out for a weekend ride, which left him a paraplegic.

A Go Fund Me was set up to raise $35,000 to go towards supporting him in his rehabilitation and medical equipment, as well as travel costs his family is incurring in taking care of him.

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The fundraiser reached its’ goal last week and Gillis is now in rehabilitation.

His sister, Stacey Gillis, says he continues to improve. She extends a huge thank you to everyone who supported the family, both through donations and words of encouragement.

“First of all, I have to say thank you to each and every one of you,” says Stacey. “When you set a goal like this, it’s almost inconceivable that you could reach it, especially in a small community like Espanola.

“It’s so heartwarming to see the messages and the support from all of the different facets of Chris’ life – all of the different ways that he reaches out and touches the world.

“It is next to impossible to message my thanks to all of you individually – though I’d love to. Know that I am reading all of the wee notes you attach and am trying to keep Chris up to date on your donations.

He is absolutely astounded, overwhelmed, and humbled by this outpouring. It is a life-changing amount of money.

She says he is doing well.

“He is doing very well – all things considered – and is looking forward to getting back to texting and typing much sooner than we expected just a few days ago. He has an amazing team of nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists as well as his personal care attendants (Meghan and I) that scratch his nose, put on lip stuff, and change the channel. He is getting stronger and stronger every day and is stubborn and determined – two things that will come in very handy in his recovery. Thank you.”

Donations are still being accepted since costs will be ongoing in the long-term. For an e-transfer, send to Stacey at: [email protected]

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