Manitoba children’s entertainer Al Simmons has lost hundreds of homemade props and show supplies after his workshop went up in flames.
A friend started a GoFundMe page for Simmons that says a blaze tore through his “Magic Workshop” earlier this month.
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Simmons went into the burning workshop to rescue a few “severely damaged treasures,” but most were lost.
“The last armful of clothing that I brought out, I didn’t realize it at the time but it was on fire. So I didn’t go in again,” he said. “It’s pointless hoping for a better past — that doesn’t lead anywhere but I must admit I have regrets that I didn’t go back in, but I might not have gotten out.”
The shed was where he stored all his hand-made props and costumes. He’s starting to rebuild.
“I can’t stop my brain. I’m going to think up new stuff to make and I have new songs I’ve written. I’m not quitting,” he said.
All of his upcoming shows and productions will still go on.
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According to Jeff Hudson, chief of the Springfield Fire and Rescue Service, the fire isn’t suspicious and was likely caused by an electrical issue.
The Juno Award-winner is in his 48th year of performing in front of families using his own homemade machines and costumes.
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