Arson victim Paula McGladrey is being transferred to Ontario’s only dedicated burn unit.
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.
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.
On Feb. 24, Paula’s father Lloyd McGladrey, who lives in Elora, informed the Advertiser that his daughter was being transferred to St. John’s Rehab – part of Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital.
Earlier in February, family and friends 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.
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.”
