Offers of help pour in after Umbilo home gutted by fire

SHIREEN Slater, an Umbilo resident who lost the only home she’s ever known when it was razed to the ground in a fire on Saturday, has been overwhelmed by the generosity and care of the local community.

Shireen said people had come forward to help in so many ways, and she and her daughter, Nonnie Mchunu were overwhelmed by the offers of help they have received.

“We are so grateful, the support from everyone has been so overwhelming. I have also received help from my tenant Bernard and his workers plus help from the Zimbabwean community in Durban who bought my tenant’s child new uniforms and are also helping with clearing the rubble,” she said.

Local businesses have also stepped in to help. One mechanic offered to fix her car for no charge, while a local building contractor has offered to rebuild the house with no labour costs. An an electrician will be helping with the wiring and a cleaning company has come forward to do the final clean when the house is rebuilt. Hill’s Pet Nutrition SA also came forward with a donation of food for her dogs.

Shireen’s house caught on fire on Saturday afternoon. Mark Lombaard from KZN Community Assist and Disaster Management, said a member had received a call at 2.49pm and rushed to the scene. “I called the fire department to inform them it was a positive call, and when I arrived at the house 10 minutes later, the fire department was on scene. By that time the house was already completely gutted,” he said.

Devastated, Shireen told Berea Mail on Sunday, that she wasn’t sure what started the fire.

A bank account will be opened by the end of the week for monetary donations, and money donated will go towards rebuilding the house.

The family still urgently needs size 38 clothing for Shireen, linen, towels and food. Gift vouchers (e.g. Pavilion, Spar, Checkers, Dischem) would also be greatly appreciated as Shireen can get exactly what she needs with these.

If you would like to drop anything off for Shireen, contact Candyce on 083 469 8228 to arrange this. If you would like to drop off during office hours you can drop off at 204 Umbilo Road (Korean Overseas Parts), for Jo-Ann Horn’s attention. Donations can also be dropped off at KZN Community Assist & Disaster Management, 482 Oliver Lea Drive, Umbilo. Should you be unable to drop off, contact 062 585 9410 (Patrick) or 072 512 6722 (Mark) to arrange for collection.

Heather Rorick from Bulwer Community Safety Forum is also helping Shireen by raising funds and collecting items. Contact her on 074 203 2792.