A Kurri family-of-seven lost their home after a fire broke out during the night of Friday, January 16.
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Kate Stevens said that it was her daughter Hope, 6, who realised the Galloway Street house was on fire, which allowed the family to get out just in time.
“We woke up to one of my daughters standing at my bed saying ‘Wake up! Wake up!’,” Ms. Stevens said.
“We went out to the lounge and saw everything on fire.
“We walked to the front room and one of my sons was stuck.
“We freed him, jumped out the window and ran across the road; that’s when the gas bottle caught alight.
“It was a miracle we got out actually.”
Ms. Stevens, her partner Rodney Macfarlane and children – Austin, 13, Jessica, 12, Zack, 9, Hope, 6 and Angel, 5 – watched on as the home they have lived in for the past nine years and everything inside burned.
“Everything was destroyed, photos, albums, clothing. All we could do was watch,” Ms. Stevens said.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
The family are staying with family at Bolton Point and Booragul while they search for their own private place.
It will take another six months for them to be moved into another Housing NSW residence.
Support from the local Youth Off The Streets branch and a Facebook campaign started by Mr. Macfarlane’s nephew is helping them get back on their feet.
The family are amazed at the response they’ve received so far.
“Too many people are so kind, it’s unbelievable,” Kate’s partner Rodney Macfarlane said.
“I just can’t get my head around it.”
As the children prepare for the upcoming school year at Kurri High and Kurri Public School, donations of school uniforms, shoes, bags, and text books, as well as cash donations and small household items such as linen will go a long way in supporting the family.
Youth Off The Streets CEO and founder, Fr. Chris Riley said the family have given a lot to the community in the past, and now need the community’s help.
“We’ve known Kate Stevens and Rodney MacFarlane for five-and-a-half years,” Fr. Riley said.
“The whole family comes down to Hunter Valley Outreach, the kids participate in the activities while Kate and Rodney help prepare food and run activities.
“They’ve always been willing to help the community and now it is time for the community to return this kindness.”
Anyone wishing to donate can drop in to Youth Off The Streets at 33 Station Street, Weston or call 4936 1917, Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 5pm, Thursday from 12pm to 3pm and Friday from 12pm to 5pm.
A fundraiser will be held at the Criterion Hotel in Weston in coming weeks; stay tuned for more details.