Help a Fellow Preservationist: John Hillier Needs Help

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Dec 23, 2021 11:03 pm

I'm still awaiting absolute verification of the circumstances reported here, but in the meantime, this involves a semi-regular member of this forum:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-john-hillier

Quote:

Hi, my name is Corey [Bryant] and I work for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. In the early hours of Thursday, December 23rd, my neighbor and co-worker, John Hillier, suffered the loss of his home in Rockwood, CO. He has lost everything; all material possessions, his pet, and most importantly, his home. Here at the DSNGRR we are family, and this one hurts us all. We all want to do our part to help him get back on his feet after this tragic accident. Even if it’s just a few cents, every little bit helps during this time.

Please consider, thank you!

If anyone here knows of a direct donation portal that doesn't involved GoFundMe or PayPal taking their cut, I think we would welcome it being shared here.

Boilermaker · **Joined:** Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:47 pm **Posts:** 219

So sorry to hear of his circumstances, especially so close to the holidays. Keeping him in thoughts and prayers.

Just so you're aware, GoFundMe doesn't take a cut out of any donations. Their platform relies solely on donations given to them specifically when you support a cause, which you can choose not to give. Otherwise it's a standard small percentage credit card processing fee which you'd pay through most any other transaction/platform anyways. This fee is present even if you swipe your card in person at a store. The only way to avoid that is to mail a paper check or cash.

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

Chris Webster · **Joined:** Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:45 am **Posts:** 1087

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote:

I'm still awaiting absolute verification of the circumstances reported here

I have not seen any verification yet, but I made a small donation anyway because I saw that many of John's current and former coworkers had donated. I also recognized the burning building from all the times I've been to Rockwood - the house is somewhat visible in Google's Streetview from 2019.

Joe Dailey · **Posted:** Sun Dec 26, 2021 4:22 pm

This is unfortunately true, and the description of the situation at the gofundme site is accurate.

John has been very well cared for by D&SNGRR management and ownership, and of course his immediate friends. He is currently recovering from smoke inhalation and some other minor injuries. He seems very shocked but also very grateful at extent of everyone’s support and generosity.

If anyone wants to send anything for John directly:

John Hillier
C/O D&SNGRR
479 Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301

Thanks,
Joe