A FAMILY who lost their home to a fire last week have been touched by the wellspring of generosity displayed by the wider Swan Hill community.
Community groups and individuals have rallied together and a donation drive is gathering essential items like clothes, bedding and toys to help the young Lake Boga family get back on their feet.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the help and support we’ve got from the community,” said Kellie Neil.
“Family and friends have been absolutely wonderful and then you’ve got total strangers offering you things.
“We’re stuck for words as to what to say to them, because a thank you is not big enough for how we feel.”
Kellie, Matt and their two children Macca and Eli (aged eight and two) awoke early Wednesday morning to smoke filling the bedrooms of their Lake Boga home.
Lake Boga CFA, assisted by Swan Hill and Lake Charm units, battled the blaze for two hours before it was under control.
The majority of the structure was destroyed along with almost all the Neil’s possessions.
“We walked out with literally the clothes on our back,” Ms Neil said.
“No shoes, no socks. I had a onesie, Matt had a pair of jeans and the kids had their pyjamas.”
“There’s a lot of special stuff that we can’t get back.”
CFA operations officer John Breaks said that the extent of fire damage means the source of the fire will be classified as ‘undetermined’.
“There was suspicion that it could have been a wood heater, or that it could have been an electrical fault that started the fire,” Mr Breaks said.
The Neil’s told the Guardian they had been besieged with electrical problems since moving in five years ago, and that an electrician had been out to the property to check on an appliance the day of the fire.
Despite the disaster and ensuing accommodation struggles, Kellie and Matt have been buoyed by the ungrudging support they’ve received.
“[Swan Hill] is a lovely place to be. People really back you up. When you’re in trouble, people actually stand behind you. What a nice place to raise children,” Mr Neil said.
If you’d like to help the Neil family, items can be dropped to the Swan Hill Leisure Centre, or you can donate directly to the Neil’s account: Commonwealth Bank, BSB: 063 862, Ac No: 10304939, Ac Name: Kellie Neil.
