Come Together
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I’m sure by now most of you have heard about the wildfire
that is raging in the mountains just north of downtown Boulder, Colorado.
As of this writing, the fire remains predominantly uncontained, despite the
best efforts of the tireless firefighting crews. Over 135 homes, as well as
numerous other structures, have been destroyed and over 1,000 people have been
displaced. In addition to the homes and businesses affected, the nearly seven-acre
fire has consumed a portion of Boulder’s
running trails and outdoor playground – an area much revered by local endurance
enthusiasts.
The silver lining in any tragedy is the selfless love and
support that pours forth from the affected community. Here in Boulder, that support is alive and well and
growing daily. People have taken strangers into their homes. Pets have been
welcomed into homes and humane societies. Area restaurants have refused payment
from fire victims, instead welcoming them warmly with family style meals and a
respite of comfort. The athletic community has rallied to the cause as well.
Local fitness apparel manufacturer SkirtSports – whose founder Nicole DeBoom
lives just a few miles from the evacuation zone – is donating 10% of all online
sales through September 18th to the American Red Cross (Mile High
Chapter) Disaster Relief Fund (click here for more info). Boulder-based Neve Designs is following suit. When
the call went out via Facebook and Twitter that firefighters were in need of
sports nutrition products – energy gels, bars and drinks – Boulder’s
multi-sport men and women sprang into action, scouring their cupboards and
garages and delivering carloads of endurance fuel to the fire command center.
Boulder’s
Fourmile Canyon Fire is sure to cause immeasurable loss as well as inspire
invaluable courage and kindness. We can only hope the efforts of the firefighters
will combine with favorable weather conditions to limit the loss caused by this
disaster. We can also only be honored and humbled to be a part of a community
that takes care of its own with such immediate and unconditional love.
– Holly Bennett