BLOG: When you lose everything

“What?!” I’d heard the words, but couldn’t register their message. My wife went on to explain that our daughter’s house had just been gutted by fire. “They all got out okay, but they’ve lost almost everything!”

My wife went to be with Amie while I phoned our other daughter to let her know what had happened. Soon we were all there. It was a chaotic scene – several fire trucks, police cars and an ambulance; the road closed in both directions.

Firefighters continued their mopping-up operations as police carried out their duties, and friends and neighbours gathered to offer support and comfort. Ambulance officers ensured everyone was okay: our son-in-law, Damien, having already been taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

A reporter from the Illawarra Mercury arrived and shortly afterwards the story, with graphic pictures, appeared on the website. The next day it was front page news.

The house, which they were renting, was insured, but their contents were not. It’s a common oversight. People who are renting often don’t realise that they need contents insurance; or for a young couple struggling to raise a family, sometimes the money just doesn’t seem to be there.

That night I pondered what we could do to help. Our financial situation isn’t too healthy, so we aren’t in a position to offer much assistance. Nor do we have a big house that could easily accommodate a family of five. Then I thought of Facebook. Perhaps if I posted something on Facebook there might be someone who would be able to help.

I put up a post telling briefly what had happened, with a link to the story on the Illawarra Mercury’s website. I explained that they were not insured.

It didn’t take long for the responses to come pouring in. For the next six hours I sat at the computer answering offers of assistance. My other daughter, who had shared my post, did the same. Friends and other family members phoned. Our Facebook friends shared our posts, then their friends shared it, and soon we were getting messages from people we didn’t know, and who didn’t know us. We were added to Facebook pages where our posts had been shared so that we could reply to messages there.

Clothes, beds, toys, household furniture, school supplies and other items were being offered. Questions came flooding in: “What size clothes are needed?” “What is the age and gender of the kids?” “Where can things be dropped off?” “Is there a fund where donations can be made?” As quickly as I replied to one question, another popped up. At times I was conversing with two or three people at the same time, while still trying to get to other notifications. My daughter was doing the same.

The next day it continued. More offers of assistance; more questions on what was needed and how donations could be made. My daughter and I worked on the logistics. Some donations of clothes and toys were dropped off at her home and some at mine. My daughter began the process of setting up a bank account where donations could be made. Friends called in with cash for them. Their generosity was amazing! Others purchased new school supplies and toiletries and brought them around.

We have all been completely blown away by the generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness of people! Several times it has brought us all to tears. For me it began just after the fire when our local church said they would open up their op shop and give Amie and her family anything they needed. I was so moved that tears streamed down my face.

Often, as I sat at the computer, when I told my wife about the latest offer of assistance my voice would crack and tears would well up in my eyes. I’d phone Amie to tell her of what had been offered – and more tears! Amie was equally moved and astounded; she couldn’t believe the kindness and generosity being shown to her and her family. On the phone there were times when I’d just manage to get the words out and then neither of us could speak.

Damien’s parents have provided temporary accommodation. Like us, they don’t have a lot of room, but they have squeezed them in.

Less than two days after the fire we can’t believe what has happened in such a short time. Amie has all the clothes she needs for herself and her family; the kids have toys and household items have been taken to a storage space that was provided. Some items not needed have been re-donated to the local op shop. Fundraising is happening by several groups, not only in our area but also in other regions where friends want to help.

The power of social media: it’s simply astounding! Equally astounding is the incredible generosity people have shown – in many cases to people they don’t even know! We are extremely humbled; we are emotionally overwhelmed. We are all so grateful to everyone! 

For anyone wishing to help, please contact the Illawarra Mercury, or email Elwyn ejordan@hotkey.net.au.