Lorde gives $10k to Titirangi family
A Titirangi family donated $10,000 by Kiwi singer Lorde can now get their leaky home re-clad.
Grammy-winner Lorde donated $10,000 to the Give-A-Little page for Devora Busch and Richard Barry’s family who were struggling to pay for their home to be repaired.
The parents have three children, including 10-year-old daughter Rheegan, who is severely autistic and requires round-the-clock care.
Busch says re-cladding will start on their Titirangi home in December. While the work is going on the family will move into a rental in Orewa.
Busch sent a letter on behalf of her family to thank Lorde for the kind gesture.
‘‘I told her how we were normally a private family and to ask for help was a big move for us. The page has given us random acts of kindness. No matter how big or small we are so amazed at how gracious the New Zealand public have been to us.’’
Ella Yelich-O’connor, a.k.a Lorde, wrote beside her $10,000 donation ’’sending best wishes and love to you and your parents, Rhee. Xxxx’’.
The family will live in a Orewa property for four months during their home’s renovations. Their children will still be attending schools in west Auckland. It may mean a change of carers for Rheegan.
‘‘This is the only home she knows and it’s where her safe play areas are. There is going to be some uncertainty for her.’’
Busch’s mum texted her about the singer’s donation when she was picking up her children from school.
‘‘It was amazing, first of all it was a big moral boost for my family. To think someone found our story so moving they would donate to the cause.’’
The Give-A-Little page says the parents, who are both teachers, could not meet the expenses of their leaky home.
‘‘Their leaky home is burdening them with in addition to the high costs of raising and caring for Rhee, who is in the top few per cent of New Zealand’s high-needs children’’.
The donation page, established by family members back in March, has raised $67,000 since its initial launch.
‘‘Every donation is a bit of a game changer for us,’’ Busch says.
Busch would also like to thank CCF Disability Action’s Bernie Peters for her support during the changes.