Donate to help a family who lost everything in a house fire

I am reaching out to you in the hope that you can assist some friends of mine who endured a traumatic event in the early hours of July 2 this year that has now changed their lives forever. Simone and Tony McKenzie along with their 11-year-old son lived through one of the worst nightmares you can experience - waking in the middle of the night, in complete darkness to realise your entire home is on fire. The intense smoke made it difficult to see anything in the house, so their main aim was to get out as quickly as possible.

 

Twelve fire engines came to their Curlewis home but were unable to put out the fire that began from the wood heater, spread into the roof and across the entire house. The McKenzie's watched, alongside the fire crews, as their beautiful house and possessions burnt for more than five hours, destroying everything room by room. While some kitchen things and a few of their young son's clothes and sporting equipment survived, Simone and Tony were left with absolutely nothing, apart from the pyjamas they were wearing at the time. All clothes, jewellery, family photos, fridges, golf clubs, crafts, books, bikes, SUP, tv's, couches, beds, mattresses, artwork etc were destroyed by fire or water damage.

 

I was in total shock when I learnt of the destruction and am amazed by their perseverance and strength as they begin to rebuild their lives. Simone and Tony are extremely grateful for the amazing friends, family and sporting clubs who turned up to assist as soon as they heard the local media reporting the fire as well as those who continue to support them with a place to live, clothes, emotional support, and manual labour.

 

The family is in a much better mental and emotional space now but are totally exhausted from working every day to settle their lives down and ensure a positive future for their small family. They now need our financial help to replace day to day things before they begin to even to consider rebuilding a house.

 

It has been and continues to be an overwhelming time for them, especially as it could have ended so tragically. So I'm asking if you could kindly consider supporting them to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.

 

Any financial contribution will assist, and as both Tony and Simone have been active in the Bellarine and Geelong communities as volunteers in the sporting, sustainability and agricultural fields, it is an opportunity to return the favour to them.

Please show your kindness and support to the McKenzie's who I know continue to work tirelessly, without complaint, to achieve a safe and secure home for their family (one without a fireplace).

 

Best wishes,

Amanda Coop