“Do not panic. I am with you. There is no need to fear. I will give you strength. I will help you.
I, your God, have a firm grip on you and am not letting go.” — Isaiah 41:10, 13

Brian only had time this morning (Sunday, September 6, 2026) to flip the calendar to September and see those words. After what happened the evening of Wednesday, September 2, 2026, they could not feel more fitting.

I’m Brian’s older sister, Rachel Vaarkamp (Haney), and with Brian Haney and Alyssa Keller's permission, we are starting this fundraiser on their behalf. As a family, we want to help ease some of the financial burden that comes with this heartbreaking loss and the enormous cleanup ahead. One hundred per cent of the funds raised, aside from FundRazr processing fees, will go directly to Brian and Alyssa to help with the unexpected costs of rebuilding, caring for their animals and putting their farm back together.

Just five minutes after Brian and Alyssa finished chores, they sat down to watch the storm roll in. When the rain started coming sideways, they decided they should head inside. Their dogs, who would normally never go into the basement, had already gone there. Seconds later, they heard what sounded like a freight train. By the time they tried to get to the basement, the storm had passed.

What was left behind was heartbreaking. The family’s old bank barn, a place that has been part of three generations of the Haney farm, suffered devastating damage, with the roof and a wall collapsing. The barn was home to more than 40 beef cattle and 70 chickens.

Since Wednesday, the kindness of our neighbours and community has been overwhelming. People have shown up with water, diesel, meals, chainsaws, equipment, helping hands and words of encouragement. We are incredibly grateful.

We are hoping to raise funds to help with some of the unexpected costs that come with this cleanup and recovery — including debris removal, equipment and fuel, temporary shelter and care for the animals, replacing or repairing damaged fencing and farm infrastructure, and time away from work to deal with the cleanup and recovery.

This barn held generations of memories, hard work and family history. While we know it cannot be replaced, we are so thankful for the people who have already reminded us that we are not facing this alone.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will help. And if you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping our family, farm and animals in your thoughts and prayers means more than you know. For more updates follow their Facebook page "Evergreen Eggs & Ember".

Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.

Rachel Vaarkamp on behalf of
Brian Haney and Alyssa Keller

Seaforth, Ontario, Canada