Stranded UK farmhand 'overwhelmed' by kindness in Kamloops
A farmhand and blogger from the UK who got stranded in Kamloops after her car broke down said she is “baffled and overwhelmed” by the outpouring of kindness from the community.
Rachel Stratton, also known as the The Global Farmher, travels around the world with her dog working on ranches and blogging about her experiences.
“I’m a sheep shearer and farmhand back in Europe,” she said. “I travel and learn different techniques to take to new places and share information.”
After arriving in Vancouver two weeks ago, Stratton purchased a used Ford Escape to go north to her next job, but a series of unfortunate events left her and her dog in Kamloops when the car broke down and she was running out of money. That’s when members of the community stepped in to make sure she was safe, fed and housed until the car gets fixed.
“The car was overpriced and the dealer didn’t tell me up front about sales tax, fees and insurance costs,” she said. “The dealer assured me I’d be safe and in a reliable vehicle and he knew I had a long drive to make.”
Stratton made it to her first job up north but it wasn’t a good fit, so she accepted a job at a ranch in Alberta getting paid to calve 400 cows over the spring, something she has a lot of experience with. Initially planning to do the drive in one day, slippery roads slowed her progress so she stopped at a motel for the night.
“I got a motel in this little place called Kamloops,” she said. “I never intended to stay here which is the hilarity of it.”
The next morning Stratton hit the road again but she didn’t get far before the car started beeping and shaking, and the power steering went. She limped it to a garage that diagnosed the problem for free and sent her to Dearborn Ford, who squeezed her in right away.
“They told me it would be $1,500 and wouldn’t be able to fix until the next morning,” she said.
Stratton got a motel for the night and returned to the dealership the next morning, only to find out the problem was bigger than first suspected. The cost would be closer to $3,000 and it would take a week to get the needed part in. The cost would take up Stratton’s remaining funds.
“They were concerned about my situation as I couldn’t afford another night at a motel,” she said. “Parts department was calling all over Canada trying to find a cheaper part. Miranda at the front desk called the man who sold me the car to send him the bill but he was really rude and blamed everything on Ford.”
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Stratton said she was upset and panicking after already blowing her budget.
“The staff were checking on me, giving me hugs and giving my dog pats and treats, and they even bought me lunch because I was so stressed I hadn’t eaten that day,” she said.
Stratton calmed down and started phoning ranches in the area offering work in exchange for room and board until finding one two hours north of the city.
“The team at the dealership offered to drive me but I didn’t feel right about it, it was too far,” she said. “I explained the situation to the lady on the phone who put me in touch with a ranching friend of hers 25 minutes north of Kamloops.”
Stratton made contact with the rancher and found room board for the week, helping on the farm, training a small puppy and experimenting with dehydrating dog treats. She and the rancher both have experience in regenerative farming.
“We are having many interesting conversations and she even invited people over for a dinner so they could meet me. Rob the mechanic is a star and gave me his number in case things fell through. He can’t take me in because I have a dog and he has dogs and cats so he rang up his neighbours to ensure I have a place to stay.”
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Stratton said people have been inviting her to dinners, sending messages of support and offering temporary housing and work arrangements.
“I’m just baffled at the generousity of others,” she said. “I was a person in need and Kamloops flocked to help me, wanting to make sure I’m alright. I just want to thank people, I’m so grateful. When you experience the worst of people you get to be grateful for the good and I’m taking away the good stuff.”
The car dealership since came back with an offer of $500 payment, but Stratton is taking the case up with the Vehicle Sales Authority. The employers in Alberta area waiting for her arrival.
“I have really experienced the very best of Canadians and I haven’t been in the country for two weeks yet,” she said. “I’ve told friends in different countries and I get a bit emotional.”
Click here to see Stratton's travel blog called The Global Farmher.
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