An outpouring of community support has renewed a local Korean family’s faith in Jasper.

The Gil family, whose house was recently vandalized, have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from the community, apologizing for the vandalism the family has suffered and asking them to stay in town.

More than 30 community members have called or visited the family since an article about the crime appeared in the Fitzhugh, in which the family described their frustration after the attack - an attack they felt was racially motivated. 

“It’s been heartwarming,” said Jennifer Gil “We’ve had calls from Victoria and New Zealand ... it confirms our belief that most people are good and renewed our faith in Jasper.”

The Gils were shaken by the vandalism and by the racial slurs hurled at them last month, when a youth was caught red-handed tearing down a fence and shouting racial epithets.

The family has endured such harassment for ten years, however Jennifer Gil said this is the first time they’ve spoken out against the attacks. She believes Jasper is having its eyes opened to some of the underlying problems in the community. 

“What’s surprising is no one guessed this was happening. We all believe Jasper is a paradise, but this is happening, let’s face it,” Jennifer Gil said, noting that she is meaning to write a thank you letter to the town for their support.

Others have come forward with their own stories of harassment, Gil said, drawing upon the family’s courage to speak up.

“Many don’t know it’s a crime and that they can call bylaw or the RCMP,” she said. “When people are silent, it allows the vandals to do things that are more bad.”

While the fence has been fixed, egg and tomato stains have been left on the house. The family van must also be cleaned again.

According to Gil, the vandals have offered to clean the house, and the family is mulling over the offer. They want to meet with the families of the youths to explain their story.

“They don’t hear the slurs that (the youths) say,” Gil said.

There are no charges stemming from the incident, however the RCMP have a confession from the vandals.

Terry Nelson, a local carpenter/handyman, has offered to repair damage to the Gil’s home. He was outraged after hearing of the vandalism, and offered his services to the family.

“I used to work with Koreans, and when I heard the news, it made me so mad,” Nelson said.

Along with two other workers, Nelson offered to repair the fence, and investigate what can be done with the stucco house. He’s made similar offers to seniors in the community. 

“Labour and tools are no problem,” Nelson said. “We’ll see about materials.”

If the eggs and tomato can’t be cleaned off of the house, the Gils said they will approach victim services to paint the stucco house.

Despite the support, she still questions if it was the right thing to do.

“Sometimes, it’s overwhelming. We didn’t do this for the attention, but it’s definitely heartwarming,” Gil said.