Harper Sercombe
A GoFundMe campaign for a struggling couple who lost their home in a house fire has raised over $16,000.
Craigieburn locals Wayne Morrison and Deborah Rhodes lost their home of 32-years, earlier in June.
Their son and fundraiser organiser Billy Morrison said it’s “been a tough week.”
“As a family trying to all come together to help the parents try to work out what’s next and what needs to be done and to help find a sense of normality,” he said.
“[We] are starting to get a lot better now as each day passes.
“It really helps that we have eight kids in the family to all lean on each other and support with different things.”
The last few years have been tough on the Morrison-Rhodes family with Wayne sustaining a workplace injury that has kept him out of a job for almost seven years. Ms Rohdes has also not been able to find steady employment through COVID and helping Wayne through his injuries.
“Mum and dad have done as much as possible to stay afloat but this latest setback has meant that as much as it pains them to say they need some help,” Billy said.
“[They] have home insurance but due to the cost of living and their situation they couldn’t afford the contents insurance so they have 32 years worth of possessions to try to replace.”
However, Billy said the community response has been “mind blowing.”
“Friends and family have been so supportive.
“We are all so grateful for every single person who has donated and it will help so much.
“We’ve had over 100 different donations from people from all over Victoria from family and friends to work colleagues and everyone in between.”
Details- www.gofundme.com/f/wayne-debs-fire-relief-fund
