Discussions

Does anyone know what is going on with the family that seems to be camped in the parking lot at Canadian tire? I can't help but be bothered with seeing them as their situation didn't look well and there was a little man waving from their tent......

I noticed that also and was surprised as I am pretty sure that they would be told to leave as I've NEVER seen someone camping in a parking lot, we also got a wave from someone who was smoking inside the tent and bowing the fumes out of a small "window"  

*** blowing ... Not "bowing"

.....camping apparently, maybe so does Canadian Tire.....

Yeah I do see people camping in walmart lots, but never in tents-always in campers or the like!

You should mind your business. I'm sure the store knows and will handle it if it needs attention

That's a bit harsh! Just because people are concerned?? A family smoking in a tent with kids in it?? That should be everyone's business! Who else will stand up for the well being of the children if there are any in there  

Is waiting for their car to be fixed they are from Ontario. perhaps people who are curious to know should talk to them and see if they need anything

veloster said "Is waiting for their car to be fixed they are from Ontario. perhaps people who are curious to know should talk to them and see if they need anything "

That sucks so bad. I guess putting 2+2 together I did see their vehicle & trailer getting towed on Friday (Ontario plates)in the CT lot. Hopefully they can find some air conditioning today- it is going to be HOT!

veloster said "Is waiting for their car to be fixed they are from Ontario. perhaps people who are curious to know should talk to them and see if they need anything "

Nice to read someone wanting to help them out instead of being judgemental. Things are not always as they look.  
Yes, it is going to be very hot today in a paved parking lot. Perhaps the good people from Tim's will give them ice caps or some good samaritan will invite them into the air-conditioned restaurant and treat them to lunch.

cohiba said "That's a bit harsh! Just because people are concerned?? A family smoking in a tent with kids in it?? That should be everyone's business! Who else will stand up for the well being of the children if there are any in there   "

Who said anything about smoking? I didn't read anywhere in this post about smoking!! I agree, people need to mind their own business. If you are concerned, then ask them if you could help in any way, and stop being so judgmental.

We went and helped them out a bit. They weren't expecting their vehicle to break down and have fallen on tough times. The mom was crying and we felt so bad. If anyone has anything extra to spare, even some cold drinks, please stop by and help them out. Let's show them what a great community Brandon is.

Glad to see some compassion & empathy on here....I have travelled all over a few continents with my young children in tow. Thankfully when something like this happened to us it was in a friendlier town. Could be the difference between a parkinglot & park might be only a ride for them. Guess they will remember Brandon, one way or the other.  
 
I'm not in Brandon, but if anyone has contact info for them, please pm me.

does anyone know how much longer their car will be? Perhaps we can help them somehow?

I would also like to know if anyone knows how much longer they will be. I would like to drop off some water and anything that will help them. Do they only have the little boy? Would like to drop off something for him.

They have two little boys

Thank you Helpingbrandon for info

have a dog as well

im not sure why everyone is thinking brandon is judgmental or lack empathy, people are asking whats up and now "we" have been told many are looking to help

They have two beautiful little boys, a dog and two cats. I talked to both mother and father…very nice people! If anyone can help them out. They now have lots of water but could really use cash donations as the repairs for their vehicle will be expensive. They have a cook stove and food but anything would help. There was even a lady there that offered them to come to her home for showers and a hot meal. Ebrandon and Brandon is wonderful!

You people are awesome!  
Re: animals - I'm sure if you contacted the Brandon Humane Society they would help out with food for the dog and cats. They often get donations that they share.  
 

What were they driving and where were they heading to? Maybe a bit more info would be great as I'll like to help.

I just stopped by to see how I could help and the father was busy repacking the trailer. Someone offered them a safe place to store the trailer and a hotel I offered groceries but they were very humble and said they were all set for food and water.  
 
A power converter blew their vehicle's computer and they figure the repair bill will be over $800. I went inside CT, bought a $100 gift card and left it with the staff at the service desk to help cover the repair. I'm sure a few more gift cards would help!  
 

This makes me so happy that people are willing to help this family out! If I didn't live out of town I would definitely go and help out where I can!! Even if little as brining bottled water.  
And he person who woke up on the wrong side of the bed and told everyone to mind their own business - if people would have minded their own business then this family would have had to deal with more hardships than needed!  
Again, so happy to read that people are so willing to help out where they can!

cohiba said "That's a bit harsh! Just because people are concerned?? A family smoking in a tent with kids in it?? That should be everyone's business! Who else will stand up for the well being of the children if there are any in there   "

Sorry to say, but I think that this entire thread infringes on somebody else's "business".  
 
Whatever their being there has to do with anything, it's nobody place to broadcast it, nor is it anybody's business to judge.

Xuser said "What were they driving and where were they heading to? Maybe a bit more info would be great as I'll like to help. "

im curious where they were going too, its great people are helping and they found a room and a shower but everyone should take this as a warning, unless you absolutely have to travel, when planing a vacation make sure you have back up funds for unexpected emergencies

When a family goes on a trip or vacation it usually is remembered by the special things that happen, just imagine the stories this family will have to tell, the actions of the people of Brandon who help will leave a lasting impression.  
 
Well done to all those who have helped, it's actions like this that change the world.

Seems to be a good amount of people chatting with them today on my couple trips into the area. Noticed a Sun photographer doing something with them just now, so might be a little something else to come as far as these folks' story.

What is the most stable currency in Canada???  
 
Canadian Tire money!!!!  
Who's got some??? Can you spare it?  
Lets raise enough Canadian Tire Money for a repair and some gas!!!  
Brandonites are best, I have always thought that.  
For those of you who have nothing nice to say, just stop saying and let the people that want to help do so!  

If we were to leave something and the family has now moved on to a motel, where is the best place to leave that something to make sure they actually DO get it?  
 
Parks were mentioned...has anyone let them know where the parks are or offered them a ride to and from one so that the kids can play?  
 
I don't know if I have much CT money around...I will look. Is there anything else that could be of use? Is there anything special that might make their unexpected stay easier?  
 
I will be in town this evening and would like to help too. I have had a few folks help me in bad and unexpected travelling situations before...including paying the full bill to fix my car, a place to stay and warm food! I have never forgotten (never will) and love to help others when these things happen to them.