Neighbours are rallying to help a Grey County man replace his barn.
This winter, Phil McNally’s barn collapsed under the weight of snow built up on the roof.
His neighbours have now set up a committee and organized a benefit today.
McNally says it’s mindboggling to see the way his neighbours have rallied around him.
The 66 year old was born and raised on the farm in Heath Head, near Meaford, and says his neighbours have told him he’s always been there for them.
McNally describes the December 10th collapse as an entire shock – it happened sometime during the night and he can’t believe the family didn’t hear it happen, only making the discovery when they got up in the morning.
He rushed outside to find downed power lines blocking the front of the barn, and when he went round the back, he could hear his trapped animals groaning in pain.
McNally says he called his neighbours, who were able to turn the power off, and then help him dig out the animals.
There were 20 cows and 3 miniature horses in the barn – only 3 cows were killed and McNally says the horses were saved because the roof above them did not fall.
His neighbours took in the surviving animals and also helped pull equipment and tools out of the wreckage.
McNally says it will cost 200-thousand dollars to replace the demolished barn.
His insurance won’t cover the cost because he did not have a collapse clause.
He says he never in his life thought there would be a fundraiser held for him and is not making any definite plans yet.
He says they will be cutting back on their beef cattle but would like to keep the miniature horses, which they show in parades and other events with their grandchildren.
Tonight’s event to help the McNallys starts at 8 PM at the Bognor Hall and includes an auction and dance, with admission by donation.