St. Marys Haul & Help: A truck and an extra pair of hands when needed

Owners of Haul & Help, Lucas, Liam, Brandon, Paisley and Sarah Parker, stand in front of the truck and trailer they will be using to help locals haul away unwanted junk.

By Wendy Lamond

Brandon Parker and his family have started a much-needed business in town called St. Marys Haul & Help.

The business plan came to fruition naturally. Parker already had a truck and trailer, and he was noticing many people in town were asking for help hauling things to the dump or clearing items from their yards and homes. When the opportunity came about to put the truck and trailer to good use while offering something for the community, Parker saw it as a great way to support his family, especially amid rising costs.

“In a small town like St. Marys, neighbours help neighbours and that’s really the spirit behind it,” Parker said.

The hours available will depend on other work and family commitments as it is a family-run business. Parker shared he will be available evenings and weekends, and he will do his best to work around customer schedules.

The items that can be hauled away include furniture, mattresses, refuse from the garage or basement, yard debris and general household junk intended for the dump. If it fits safely in the truck and trailer, Parker will haul it away. Parker also plans on expanding to lawn care later in the year.

Pricing for Haul & Help will depend on the size of the load and distance, but Parker hopes to be able to keep prices affordable for local residents. In-town hauling will start around $25. Dump runs, depending on size, will start around $40.

St. Marys Haul & Help is offering a start-up promotion of $10 off dump runs throughout March. St. Marys Haul & Help can be reached through their Facebook Page by sending a message and picture of what needs to be removed, and Parker will send back a quote.

Parker says his family is very happy to be living in St. Marys. His wife, Sarah, runs a photography studio on Water Street. The family loves being part of the business community and Haul & Help is another way the Parkers can contribute locally and provide an essential service.