A farm near Brooks is dealing with the aftermath of a devastating hailstorm that ripped through southeast Alberta on Wednesday, losing two animals seen as family members.
Homes, vehicles, and trees were hit hard, and part of the TransCanada Highway had to be shut down. Power is back up, and the highway has since reopened.
But a family is still dealing with the aftermath, saying two of their animals were killed, and trees were knocked down and shattered windows. Now they say they’re in survival mode.
Melissa Jackson told CityNews the animals, Stoli the camel and Butterscotch the pony, were like family members, so the loss was especially tough to swallow.
“Butterscotch has been with us since the beginning of our animal attraction journey. She is extremely special with kids. She would just stand there and receive love and braids from the kids,” she said.
“Stoli, on the other hand, he was just a special being. He was majestic, and anytime you were in his presence, there was just an aura about him that penetrated straight to your heart.”
The storm also destroyed windows and took down fences–leaving a trail of destruction on their property.
To help deal with the damage….Friends and community members started a fundraiser for the Jacksons, which has raised over $8,000 as of Friday.
“It just gives us a little bit more hope of a future of getting things fixed up fast and maybe buying another camel one day. Camels are not cheap. Stoli was worth $35,000.”
Jackson says the insurance process is underway, but the family is still picking up the pieces after the hailstorm.
For the time being, they will be closed to the public while they clean up and remember the friends they had to say goodbye to.
“Emotionally, I don’t really know how we can go on yet.”