Amanzimtoti family lose everything in house fire

A FAMILY in the Doon Heights area is seeking assistance from the community to help rebuild their house after flames ravaged their family home on Tuesday, July 26.

At about 12:30 on Tuesday, the property owner and his son, Raymond and Luhann Bode, who were working in Johannesburg at the time, received one of the most devastating phone calls of their lives – their neighbours phoned to inform them that their home was on fire.

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Raymond’s girlfriend and one of her children, who were at home when the fire broke out, escaped unharmed, but they are still traumatised by the ordeal. After the house was inspected, it was suspected that a phone charger in the bedroom started the fire which immediately set the bed, curtains and roof alight.

“I had cancelled my house insurance after my divorce seven years ago, as I needed the extra finances. You never think this type of thing will happen to you,” said Raymond.

The family of six have lost everything besides the clothes on their backs. They have, however, been fortunate enough to have been taken in by one of their family members until they can rebuild their home or find a two-bedroom apartment near Virgin Active in Amanzimtoti, for transportation reasons.

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Raymond, who was still in utter disbelief after losing everything he has worked for, said he is grateful for his neighbours who contacted him and the fire department who dispatched their trucks. He also extends his thanks to all those supporting him and his family during this difficult time.

Hearts of Toti NPO have, in the meantime, been coordinating and assisting the family. They are a non-profit charitable organisation that assists members of the community going through hardships which have rendered them destitute and in need.

“When we heard about the family, we immediately reached out to them. It was heartbreaking, the utter devastation. They still have a long way to go, but with this wonderful community, we are sure they will be able to rise from the ashes again,” said Hearts of Toti co-founder Shanay Kapp.

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After Hearts of Toti reached out to the community for assistance, Pick ‘n Pay Kingsburgh donated food and R500 gift vouchers, Smith supplied donated toiletries and a cellphone, Franco Malato’s donated fresh vegetables, and Ons Winkel provided some clothing. Some community members have also promised furniture once the family have a new place to call home.

The most costly expense when rebuilding their home will be the roof. Hearts of Toti and the family appeal for any donations of building materials such as bricks, sand, cement, windows, doors, roof sheeting and so forth, as any help will make a difference.

For more information to assist with rebuilding or to donate building materials, contact Alta at 072 801 0746 or Shanay at 072 252 9910 on WhatsApp or call 078 352 0555.

A monetary donation can be made at the following banking details: Hearts of Toti, FNB, Business account number: 62897327344, Branch code: 210845, Reference: fire family.

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