As Paula McGladrey lays unconscious in a Hamilton hospital with severe burns, those close to her are trying to rally the community to help the arson victim.
Family and friends have opened a bank account through the TD Bank in Elora (branch 2402, account 6287660), though donations can be made in McGladrey’s name at any TD Bank.
A popular waitress who once worked at the Dalby House in Elora, McGladrey, 46, was asleep on the afternoon of Jan. 31 when someone inexplicably set fire to the front of the townhouse she shared with her 24-year-old son Andrew on Greengate Road in northern Guelph.
Paula’s father Lloyd McGladrey, who lives in Elora, said Andrew helped his mother escape from the home, which was “completely gutted” by the blaze.
Lloyd is thankful his grandson escaped with just smoke inhalation, but Paula was not so lucky.
Originally taken by ambulance to Guelph General Hospital with severe burns to over 20 per cent of her body, Paula was later airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital, where she remains in stable but serious condition.
“She didn’t deserve this, that’s for sure,” Lloyd said of his daughter, whom he described as a “very hardworking” single mother.
Francesco Silveri, 34, of Guelph, is charged with arson causing bodily harm, possession of incendiary materials and uttering death threats. He was due back in court earlier this week.
Lloyd told the Advertiser he was informed early on Feb. 11 that police would be charging the man with attempted murder. While police have said the fire was a targeted act, Lloyd said his family is “not sure” what prompted the incident.
Lloyd relayed on Feb. 10 that Paula receives regular skin graphs, though she remains unconscious and on a ventilator. Understandably, family and friends are still shocked and upset, almost two weeks after the incident.
“Day by day, it’s pretty tough on everybody,” Lloyd said, specifically mentioning his grandson, as well as Paula’s two sisters from Guelph.
He told the Advertiser he would personally be very grateful for any help Paula receives through the bank account, which he said was set up by Angie Walser of Elora (who was unavailable for comment by press time).
“Anything would help,” said Lloyd, who noted his daughter was working at Crabby Joe’s in Guelph. “She didn’t have much, but now she has nothing, basically.”
In addition to the monumental task of finding a new home, Paula will most certainly face inordinate costs associated with her recovery, explained Lloyd.
Paula’s family and friends welcome private donations and they are also organizing several fundraisers they hope will help add to the total raised for Paula’s trust fund.
According to a Facebook page dedicated to the cause, there is a benefit dance and silent auction planned for May 9 at the Elora Legion Branch 229. Friends have also suggested a “servers helping servers” campaign, with “anyone working in a bar or restaurant” donating their tips from one night to help Paula. For more information on how to help, visit the Facebook page “A Place for Paula.”
