It’s just what we do.
A concerned citizen jumped into action this week to help a couple of travelers and their pets who were stranded along Highway 17, west of Sudbury.
People in a couple of communities, Espanola and Nairn Centre, played Good Samaritans to a family from British Columbia, and their pets, after the van they were traveling in broke down in our region.
Clarke Sutherland noticed a broken down van with animals in it at a Nairn Centre gas station.
“I went into the convenience store to ask about the animals and whose vehicle it was and I was pointed in the direction of an elderly woman, who appeared to be in serious distress.” said Sutherland.
A mother and her son, who traveled from B.C. to Ontario, with their three dogs and three cats, were stranded for two nights at the gas station.
They say they ran out of money to fix the van after several breakdowns along the way.
"We were stranded, but we were also being helped out by folks at the gas station there. At the Esso, they were letting my mom stay inside to stay warm, letting us keep the vehicle plugged in so we had heat for the animals." said Dan Behrends.
Behrends says he's endured three surgeries for brain cancer over the past decade.
When Sutherland heard their story, he jumped into action, contacting the Espanola United Church and area businesses to help out. He also contacted Ontario Works for pair.
"They are from out of province, not familiar with anything to do in this province, so I felt compelled to help them." said Sutherland.
“Iam very grateful for it.” said Behrends.
The woman and her son hope to be back on the road soon, traveling to their destination in Niagara Falls. They say they will be taking fond memories of the kind people and businesses in the area with them.
