Community rallies to rebuild home for Orillia brothers after tragic March fire
After a fire destroyed their home, three brothers in Orillia found themselves living out of an SUV and cooking over a bonfire.
Tom, Gary, and James Fraser are the trio who lost their house on John Street in a fire on March 18 while they were attending their sister-in-law's funeral.
'Next thing we know, somebody says, 'Your house is on fire,'' said Tom Fraser, one of the displaced residents. 'And we say, 'No, you have to be kidding.' So they showed us a picture of our house, and we got in the truck and beat it here.'
Tom, Gary, and James Fraser
Tom, Gary, and James Fraser are the trio who lost their house on John Street in a fire on March 18, 2025 while they were attending their sister-in-law's funeral. Pictures taken on July 29, 2025. (CTV News / Rob Cooper)
The three siblings lost everything in the blaze. They lived in a vehicle on their driveway for months before the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) loaned them a trailer to live in, while the group and dozens of volunteers work to rebuild their home before winter arrives.
'We're completely gutting and rebuilding the interior of the house from fire damage,' said Dan Mills with Mennonite Disaster Service. 'There's going to be a new roof put on it, and there's going to be some brickwork done in places that need to be fixed.'
It's a big job. The brothers say it's been a difficult time since losing their home, but they're thankful for the support from the community.
'Oh yeah, you couldn't imagine the help we've been getting,' said James Fraser, also of Orillia. 'And the feeling I've got from the people around here and the Mennonites… it means a lot to you? Well, yeah.'
Tom, Gary, and James Fraser
Tom, Gary, and James Fraser are the trio who lost their house on John Street in a fire on March 18, 2025 while they were attending their sister-in-law's funeral. Pictures taken on July 29, 2025. (CTV News / Rob Cooper)
Every day, volunteers show up to help clean up and prepare the home for the brothers. A few tradespeople are being paid, but most are helping simply because they can.
'Part of it is compassion and knowing the help is needed,' said Mills. 'Without us, these guys really don't have a chance of getting their home back.'
To help speed up the rebuild and reduce costs, the city has waived some fees and expedited the process for the three brothers.
'It's hard to put into words,' said Gary Fraser. 'It's… ah, very humbling would be a good word to use.'
Work on the home began three weeks ago and is expected to be completed by October. The total cost of the renovation is about $150,000. Anyone wishing to volunteer is encouraged by the city to step forward.
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