The community’s efforts to help a family that lost everything in a house fire have reached new heights, with the NRL and a local developer teaming up to chip in.
Home builder and estate developer Ausbuild has launched an online raffle to raise funds for the Tanah Merah family.
One lucky bidder will win a premium corporate suite for 14 people at the Dolphins vs Knights NRL clash this weekend, while 70 other entrants will receive double-passes to the game.
Early in the morning on Monday 18 March, Brooke McCleland and her fiancé Alex, along with their children, three-year-old Drew and three-month-old Ellie, fled their home just minutes before it was destroyed by flames.
The family lost almost everything, including two cars, their six-month-old Cavoodle puppy Luna and cat Smudge.
Ms Mcleland said her family was left with “just the clothes on our back” and items the community had donated to them.
“Alex awoke at 5.30am and went to find out what the loud banging was in the garage, when he noticed the house was on fire,” Ms McCleland said.
“Thankfully we were able to get the kids out of the house, but we didn’t have time to go back and get the animals.
“We’ve lost a lifetime of memories, everything from baby photos, ashes of our dog Cleo, Alex’s childhood stuffed toys, these can never be replaced.”
She said the money raised from the raffle would “truly mean the world”.
“Helping us buy the more expensive items that we need to slowly rebuild our life, such as mattresses and bedding for the kids, clothing, as well as home appliances and prams,” Ms Mcleland said.
Ausbuild joint managing director Matthew Bell said he was pleased to help raise the “much-needed funds” for the family.
“As community partner of the Dolphins, we are privileged to be in a position to connect with the local community and raise awareness and money for social issues impacting communities and its families,” Mr Bell said.
“As a company, we’ve been incredibly moved by her family’s story of hardship and devastating loss.
“All proceeds will go directly back to Brooke and her family to purchase essential household items such as mattresses and bedding, clothes, appliances and prams.”
Tickets are on sale now to the raffle, with winners to be announced at 9am on Friday 26 April.
raffletix.com.au/?ref=t2egc
