Monday 28 December 2015

Special: Texas tornado

An aerial image taken Sunday, December 27, 2015 shows the path of a tornado in Rowlett, Texas. Violent storms ripped through the North Texas area late Saturday, spawning tornados that killed 11 people. (G.J. McCarthy/The Dallas Morning News)
I am taking a break from my break today to make this appeal  for my on-line friend Dick Stout whose home was destroyed by the tornado which swept through Rowlett, Texas on Saturday. Fortunately, Dick, his wife and their two dogs were unharmed and they are currently staying with relatives.

Dick is a metal detectorist, a senior, and a reader of this blog and has contributed a number of comments about metal detecting and collecting.

A fund has been set up for him and you can make a secure credit card donation at this Gofundme link. I know that things can be financially tight at this time of the year, but I hope that you can at least make a small donation (and perhaps more later).

Even being close to the path of a tornado is a horrifying experience: One touched down a couple of blocks from where I was staying in Oklahoma City, once, tearing off the roof of a church. Despite the fact that I had opened the windows a crack, I still heard the window glass being pulled from the low pressure outside. Homes can literally explode in such situations.

Please do what you can and spread the word about this fund. My best wishes and hopes for a brighter future go to Dick and his wife.

4 comments:

  1. Hi John:

    He's a great bloke and this is an absolute bloody tragedy...he and Fay have lost the lot. There is an appeal via https://www.gofundme.com/kjgft9fw. If it's only a dollar, please help a guy who's always been in the vanguard of helping others.

    Best

    John Howland
    UK

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    Replies
    1. Hi John,

      Yes, and that is the same link I gave in the post. For anyone who is strapped for cash right after buying Christmas presents, I suggest a small donation now and a little more later. Today is the fourth day of Christmas so donations are in the spirit of the season (but please, no "calling birds" are needed!)

      Best,

      John

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  2. Hi John:

    The donations are coming in from all over and they are half-way to the $10K target figure. Brilliant!

    Thank you for your e-card by the way, only just picked it up in the email box.

    Regards

    John Howland
    UK

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi John,

    I just checked and the fund is growing nicely ($5460). The word is spreading. These personal appeals are very important, not just for the money but to let Dick and his family know that they in other's thoughts at this difficult time.

    Best,

    John

    ReplyDelete