Help Brian and Barb Johnston rebuild

My name is Phil Gauthier, I am the son-in-law of Brian and Barbara Johnston. I am looking to the community to help rebuild after their home and almost a life was lost in a fire.

On the 22nd of March 2023, disaster struck the home of Brian and Barbara Johnston in Sundridge. At around 11:30 pm, the smoke detector went off and alerted Brian of smoke in the home. Paula, their daughter, had arrived earlier in the day to help her father while Barbara was in the hospital with a persistent case of the flu. Paula was also woken up and came out to the living room to see her father fighting the fire that had started due to an electrical fire. Paula attempted to get her father out but he insisted on fighting the fire, she had run next door to get a neighbour to help get him out.

Paula suffered smoke inhalation and a couple of small burns. However, Brian was not so lucky. He suffered burns to about 15% of his body and is in Sunnybrook Hospital being treated for the burns. It will be a long road for his recovery.

Unfortunately, the home and all belongings have been lost and the process of starting over from nothing has begun. In the photo, you see that the home was still standing but what is not seen is the extensive damage the structure sustained internally and it must be torn down. With no insurance to cover the loss, it will be a rough road to rebuild. All donations will go towards building, replacing lost necessities and future costs for the care of Brian once he comes home.

For anyone that did not know Brian and Barb they have been a part of the Sundridge community since 1979 and lived in Burk’s Falls prior to this. Brian drove trucks for Anderson’s, was a bartender at Caswell’s and was known for his immense small engine repair knowledge and for fixing many lawnmowers over the years. Barb worked at Ten Gables and Bear Chair.

With love and gratitude, any and all donations are appreciated.