Local resident's tragic accident sparks community fundraising effort
By Arlen MacLaine
Long-time Rosslander Carol Enns and her family need our support. On June 29th, Carol and her niece, Amy Enns, were traveling south to Spokane when a truck driving in the opposite direction veered into their lane, hitting their vehicle and causing a horrific crash. Carol and Amy were taken to hospital in Colville. Police are investigating the incident, and have said they believe alcohol to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Carol suffered many injuries. They include broken shoulders, knee caps, and ribs, shattered ankles, fractured ribs and a broken sternum. She also had a ruptured spleen and required surgery on her liver. Perhaps most serious of all, Carol has been left blind by the accident. Despite these trying circumstances, her doctors have said she exhibits a strong will to live, and that other people who have come in with similar injuries have not fared nearly as well as she has so far.
Because of the extent of her injuries, Carol can’t be moved from the hospital in Spokane for up to 6 months. Her family is taking whatever steps are necessary in order to support her as much as they can. Her partner is driving back and forth daily, and her daughter Hannah has left her job in the Okanagan to be with her mother.
This is where the support of the community can make the most difference. It is well known that a solid network of support greatly increases speed of recovery after traumatic injury. Lorne Reiter, Chair of Trustees for the Eagles Club, says the club is fundraising in order to make it easier for Carol’s support network to be just that.
“Right now, Hannah is spending a lot of nights in Spokane, and her partner Chuck is driving back and forth almost daily,” said Reiter. “The funds raised will go toward helping her support network pay for things like gas and hotels.”
There are posters up around town, as well as collection jars in local businesses. So far, the response has been admirable.
“As a Red Mountain Ski Patroller for a number of seasons, Carol helped many a person out of a hairy situation,” said Reiter. “She was also an active member of the community, and this news saddens a lot of us in town.”
The Eagles Club is also planning a dinner/dance/auction event for around the middle of August (specific date to come), with all of the proceeds going towards Carol’s fund. For those wishing to help the cause, donations can be made in any of the jars located at local Rossland and Trail businesses. There is also a Carol Enns trust account set up, and donations can be made at the Nelson and District Credit Union, here in Rossland (the account number is 40027763).
Reiter is also looking for a tech-savvy volunteer, to set up a web page linked to a paypal account, dedicated to the fundraising effort. Anyone interested can contact Lorne Reiter at Clansey’s Restaurant in Rossland.
