The Story

My name is Arianna, and I am starting this fund for my father, Brian Forth and his partner Julia Pepin. On Boxing Day night, December 26th, at approximately 12:30 AM, they lost everything they owned in a catastrophic house fire. They rented this property for almost 30 years, and has been a large part of my family’s upbringing and a place where they permanently resided for a while now. They created quite the unique off grid home, with his craftsmanship and many skills and labour hours , and Julia’s decorating and cleaning to have made it to what it was just a few days ago.

A Life of Hard Work and Care

For 30 years, they have been a staple of the Penticton community. As a sheet metal worker, he has always been a man who works with his hands and takes immense pride in his craftsmanship. They both lived a disciplined, off-grid lifestyle on Green Mountain Road—a lifestyle he was well-prepared for, having grown up on a farm in Alberta. They have lived there full time for the past 10 years. And he decided to live there full time after his daughters grew up and left.

Despite being incredibly meticulous with the wood stoves and keeping the home in perfect working order, a freak accident occurred. This was not a matter of negligence, but a tragic event that has left him with nothing.

The Night of the Fire

My dad was asleep on the top floor when the inferno began. Julia was visiting her son down the road. At 64 years old, he had to fight through smoke and flames to escape. He managed to get out with only the pajamas he was wearing. During the escape, he suffered third-degree burns to his hands and arms, and his feet were severely burned as the carpet melted beneath him. He is currently recovering at Penticton Hospital, facing a long road of healing for his hands and feet—the very tools he needs to perform his job.

A Heartbreaking Loss

Beyond the loss of their home and tools, and irreplaceable collectables, the most painful part of this tragedy is the loss of their beloved pets. Just months ago, my dad spent his savings on medical care to save Princess a white German Shepherd. Tragically, Princess and other animals perished in the fire.

Why We Need Your Help

Because of the unique nature of his off-grid home, he did not have insurance, and Julia takes care of the daily chores while my dad provided and did the building and hard labour. He has no savings left and, due to the severity of his burns, he will be unable to work as a sheet metal worker for the foreseeable future. When he is eventually discharged from the hospital, he truly has nowhere to go. The government and other organizations can only help so far.

How Your Donations Will Be Used:

Immediate Housing: Finding a safe, furnished place for them to live while he heals. If not furnished that’s ok.

Medical & Recovery Costs: Covering gluten-free nutrition (essential for his Celiac condition and healing) and natural chemical free personal care items. I know the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a chronic disease as I have lupus and has helped me manage my disease. Julia is the same, very aware of the food she eats as a vegan.

Rebuilding Essentials: Replacing basic clothing, tools of his trade, and communication devices (iPhone/Laptop), if not used is donated locally.

Monthly Bills: Keeping him afloat while he is physically unable to work.

My dad is a simple, humble man who has never asked for a handout. They have spent their life helping others in this city, and now they needs the community and people far and wide to help. Whether it is $5 or $50, every cent goes toward giving a wonderful man and father a second chance at life. To choose a life he wants,to live, weather it’s back on the off grid property or something else.

If you are in the Penticton area and wish to donate physical items (clothing, tech, or gift cards), please use the "Contact" button on this page to message me directly.

Thank you for your kindness, your shares, and your support during this unimaginable time.

All donations will be e-transferred to my dad by me and once he can access his bank account the donations will go straight to him. He lost all ID and phone and the two factor identification with the phone can be hard to get into emails banking and such.

Love to all. Thanks for your time and donations if you can.

Most of all please share, They more people that see the better chance they have to not struggle hard, when most people their age are all set up.