There is one thing that is certain in the Illawarra: when someone needs a hand, the community will rally to help them.
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This week the Mercury shared the story of Fred de Boer, a Figtree resident who has terminal cancer and wants to ensure his wife of 55 years, Harriet, has a comfortable home to live in once he is gone.
Parts of the family home they have lived in for more than half a century are in need of repair, and Mr de Boer does not want his wife to have to worry about the state of the house after his death.
Mr de Boer himself did not ask for anyone to lend a hand, much less do it for free, but in under 24 hours several people came forward to offer their services and grant Mr de Boer his wish.
Among the first was Scott Burton from construction company Rockbuild Developments, who along with his business partners, has put his hand up to do the necessary work.
Mr Burton said he was touched when he heard Mr de Boer's story.
He and his business partners had all had family members affected by cancer, he said, so when he asked his colleagues what they thought about helping Mr de Boer, they told him to "go for it".
The Mercury has also heard from other local tradespeople, including a plumber, an electrician and a retired builder, who have all kindly offered their expertise to assist Mr de Boer.
When told of the community's response to his story, Mr de Boer said, "That's beautiful".
"People are good, aren't they?" he said.
The Illawarra community's generosity has also been on display recently with a fundraiser for a much-loved Albion Park delivery driver who was diagnosed with cancer.
On Wednesday the Mercury spoke to Mark Faulkner, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and resident Angela Butler, who arranged the online fundraiser to support him through this difficult time.
At the time of the story's publication, the community had already raised almost $15,000 - but by yesterday afternoon, the collection had reached almost $16,600.
Meanwhile, last weekend's Illawarra Convoy, which raises money for the Illawarra Community Foundation to support people with potentially life-threatening illnesses, has generated over $3 million.
It brings the event's total over its 17-year history to over $20.2 million.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
