Fire family stunned by community help
A LOCAL community has rallied behind a family who lost everything in a house fire, with strangers donating money and goods to help them rebuild their lives.
Nick and Aquilla Lowe said they were “overwhelmed” by the response from the people of Sorell, who managed to raise thousands of dollars mere hours after the fire.
In addition, wellwishers have been dropping off enormous quantities of food, clothes and kids’ toys to the Pembroke Hotel, Three Peaks Gallery and Lady Gowrie childcare centre.
“We’re incredibly thankful and overwhelmed by everyone’s support,” Mrs Lowe said.
“We both work in childcare so we know lots of parents around, and lots of people who we’ve looked after have shown a lot of love back to us.”
While they may have lost nearly all their earthly possessions, Mr Lowe said he was thankful that his wife and two children were safe and sound.
The Lowes even have their family car, which was saved from the inferno by a quick-thinking driver who was passing by.
“We saw footage from the neighbour of the man who saved our car,’’ Mr Lowe said.
“He pulled up at his mate’s place, got out of his car, and
the footage shows him running straight across the street to our house.
“He ran into the smoke to pull cars out. He was the real hero. His name is Shaun – a real legend.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser was started by family friend Monique Boost, who has known Mrs Lowe since she was a little girl. Ms Boost said the Lowes were both kindhearted people who went out of their way to help others and now the community was returning the favour.
“I just wanted to help out in some way,’’ Ms Boost said.
“I’ve been affected by things before and people have helped me out, so I’m just paying it forward.
“The support has been fantastic. Sorell is a really good community to live in, and we’re really lucky to have the community’s support.”
Mr and Mrs Lowe and their two children are living with Aquilla’s mum, Brooke Harris, while they get back on their feet.
Mrs Harris said she had no doubt they would bounce back from this, especially with so many people backing them.
“It’s a very crowded house at the moment, but that’s OK. As long as they’re OK, everything else can be replaced,” Mrs Harris said.
Damage was estimated at $600,000 after a cardboard box caught fire on a stove.