A close relative of the South Pambula family who lost their home in a fire on Friday evening has called the community “amazing” after numerous offers of clothes, toys and furniture were received.
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Holly Callaghan co-ordinated the help for sister-in-law Alexander Callaghan and her partner Peter Hunt who with their three children aged 3, 5 and 9 were left homeless after the upper storey of their South Pambula home caught fire.
“This community has been awesome. People have given so much, clothes, toys and we’ve even had people buying new undies and socks for the children. The community has been amazing and fantastic; we just wanted a few clothes for them. I never expected the response we got,” Holly said.
Peter was at home with one of the children while Alex was shopping with the other two when the fire broke out. The fire which started upstairs, took hold very quickly and Peter rushed to get the child out of the building.
Fire crews from Pambula and Merimbula RFS and NSW Fire and Rescue crew from Merimbula and Eden attended.
Pambula Rural Fire Service captain Stephen Irving said the home was no longer structurally sound with the top level gutted and water damage in the lower level.
“But everyone is fine although the eldest is still a little shaken up,” Holly said.
The family is now staying with another relative while they search for a new home to rent and by Monday two children were back at Pambula Public School after the P&C organised uniforms and shoes.
“A lot of people have offered household items like TVs, fridges, it’s been amazing but we’ve been holding off until we have a better idea of what they need and also because we don’t have the storage,” Holly explained.
In the meantime a special bank account has been set up to help the family. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the Bendigo Bank Pambula BSB: 633-000 Account No: 159798537.